Handbook of Terrorism in Africa: An Overview

Rohan Gunaratna first visited Africa when he was 16 years old. Every summer over three years, he explored the Sahara. As an adult, he visited Libya, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somaliland, Ghana, and Kenya together with colleagues. 

“We will Find You, and We will Kill You”

A renewed offensive began on February 1, 2025, but the Islamic State East Africa Province (ISEAP) has expanded from Somalia to neighbouring Puntland. With links to the Middle East, ISEAP has established dozens of bases, communities and hideouts in Africa. Like the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), ISEAP is networking with the Islamic State affiliates worldwide.

Somalian Army eliminates Al Shabab leader Moallim

On August 16, 2025, Hussein Moallim Hassan, a key figure in the al-Shabab terrorist group for over 15 years and one of its most wanted senior leaders, was killed. He played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of terrorist attacks against civilians in the central and southern regions of Somalia. The elimination of Moalim will provide the strategic impetus to the intensified campaign to degrade al-Shabab infrastructure, including its leadership.

Africa: The Emerging Epicenter of Terrorism

There are no protests, demonstrations and hashtags of the deafening outrage in Africa. There is no “Save Africa” campaign. Unlike the demonstrations and protests on Gaza that is funded by Hamas and Islamic Jihad supporters, the developments in Africa are not reported. The ideology of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Al Qaeda, Islamic State is religious fanaticism.