AFRICA TERRORISM BULLETIN 16Th – 31St January 2019 Edition No: 002 ABOUT AFRICA TERRORISM BULLETIN

AFRICAN UNION UNION AFRICAINE

UNIÃO AFRICANA االتحاد االفريقي

ACSRT/CAERT African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism Centre Africain d’Etudes et de Recherche sur le Terrorisme

AFRICA TERRORISM BULLETIN 16th – 31st January 2019 Edition No: 002 ABOUT AFRICA TERRORISM BULLETIN

As part of its mandate to help build Counter Terrorism capacity of African Union Member States, and keep African Counter Terrorism Practitioners abreast with current trends of terrorism in Africa, the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) has developed tools that allow it to collect, analyze and disseminate terrorism related incidents in Africa. The information gathering, processing and data analysis allow the ACSRT to provide Member States and P/CVE Practitioners with relevant information on trends and development of terrorism in Africa. The ACSRT disseminates its analysis of data collected on terrorism incidents through various productions. The Africa Terrorism Bulletin, a fortnightly compilation and data analysis is to form the basis for an African Terrorism Trend Analysis to be published by the Centre quarterly.

THE BULLETIN IS PRODUCED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF H.E. Larry GBEVLO-LARTEY Esq., AU Special Representative for Counter Terrorism Cooperation / Director ACSRT

RESEARCHERS Mr. Aristide IGIRANEZA, ACSRT Mr. Richard APAU, ACSRT Mr. Joseph Kiéba TINDANO, ACSRT

REVIEWERS Dr. Fiifi EDU-AFFUL, KAIPTC Dr. Festus Kofi AUBYN, KAIPTC Mr. Idriss Mounir LALLALI, ACSRT Col. Christian Emmanuel MOUAYA POUYI, ACSRT Mr. Inusah ZIBLIM, ACSRT Mr. Adjewoda KUTOATI, ACSRT El Waled Elamir Mohamed, ACSRT

© African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) 2019 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without full attribution.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS PAGE 1 Title Page 1 2 Table of Content 2 3 Executive Summary 3 4 Terrorism in Africa: Issue of Definition 4 5 Introduction 4 6 Threats Update 5 7 General Trend: Terrorism Incidents/CT Response 6 8 Total Number of Terrorist Attacks 6 9 Attacks by Region 7 10 Means of Attacks 7 11 Terrorist Groups and their Means of Attack 8 12 Primary Targets 9 13 Terrorist Groups and their Primary Targets 9 14 Total Terrorism Related Deaths 10 15 Deaths by Region 12 16 Deaths by Means of Attack 13 17 Attacks/Victims by Terrorist Groups 13 18 Members of Terrorist Groups Killed 15 19 Areas with High Recorded Incidents 16 20 Most Fatal Terrorism Incidents 17 21 In Focus: The Sahel Region 17 22 Total Attacks in the Sahel 18 23 Means of Attacks in the Sahel 18 24 Total Deaths in the Sahel 19 25 Deaths By Category in the Sahel 20 26 Synthesis Table of Terrorism Incidents 21 27 Synthesis Table of Terrorist Groups Activities 22 28 Record of Terrorism Incidents by Regions 23 29 Central Africa 23 30 East Africa 24 31 North Africa 27 32 Southern Africa 28 33 West Africa 29 34 Terrorism Related News 33 35 Conclusion 34 36 About the ACSRT 35

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

QUICK HIGHLIGHTS  Al-Shabaab lost 107 members during CT operations. Other IS affiliates (in Sinai, Egypt) th st  The period under review (16 -31 on the other hand, lost 75 members in CT January 2019) recorded a total of 59 operations. Boko Haram, ISWAP and JNIM, terrorists’ attacks, 1 clash between lost 6, 5 and 3 of their members to CT terrorist groups and a total of 555 operations respectively. 111 others killed by terrorism related deaths. counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency belong to unidentified/ unaffiliated groups.  Out of the 555 terrorism related deaths, 283 resulted directly from terrorist  Five countries most affected by terrorism attacks, whereas 272 were deaths during the period are Mali, Somalia, Nigeria, recorded during counter terrorism Burkina Faso, and Niger. (In decreasing operation by security forces. order).

 55% (307) of the casualties were  The Sahel region recorded 37 out of 59 members of terrorists groups. Security incidents of terrorist attacks, and a total deaths forces and Civilian casualties were 25% of 253 out of 555 representing 46% of the (140) and 20% (108) respectively. terrorism related deaths for the period. Out of the 253, 94 terrorists, 83 civilians and 76  In 35 out of the 59 attacks, the terrorists security and military personnel died in the used Small Arms and Light Weapons Sahel region. (SALW). 18 attacks involved the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), 4  More civilians (77%) and military forces (54%) kidnappings for ransom and 2 mixed died in the Sahel than the rest of Africa. 31% (SALW & IEDs). of terrorists were killed in the Sahel as against 69% in the rest of Africa.  Al-Shabaab and Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) used IEDs more RECENT HIGH PROFILE INCIDENTS in their attacks than SALW. All attacks Recent high profile attacks include: by Boko Haram and Ansarul Islam used - The 16th January 2019 armed men attack on SALW. two villages in Menaka (Mali) in which 34 Tuareg civilians were killed.

 22 of the attacks targeted civilians, 22 - The 27th January 2019 suspected armed men targeted security forces, 8 targeted from Anasrul Islam attack in Sikire, Soum International Organizations (MINUSMA (Burkina Faso) in which 10 civilians were and AMISOM), and 7 targeted killed and 2 injured. Government Institutions and Officials. th - The 20 January 2019 JNIM attacked on MINUSMA camp in Arguelhok, Kidal (Mali)  All attacks by Boko Haran (Islamic State killing 10 Soldiers of Chadian nationalities in West Africa Province (ISWAP) and injuring 25. faction) and Ansarul Islam targeted Security/Military forces. Majority of Al- Security forces have remained responsive to the Shabaab and JNIM attacks targeted situation. Counter -Terrorism Operations have been Security forces and international significant in January 2019. 305 members of terrorist organization (MINUSMA and AMISOM groups have been killed in CT Operations. These troops), Boko Haram (Shekau faction) include 75 suspected terrorists killed in Sinai targeted civilians most in their attacks. Peninsula between 19th and 27th January 2019. In Somalia, 73 al-Shabaab members were killed in Bar-  Al-Shabaab killed 56 (54 military), th ISWAP killed 51 (all military), Ansarul Sanguni, Juba on 19 January 2019. Similarly, the Islam killed 5 (all military), Other IS Nigeria Armed Forces killed 58 armed bandits in th Affiliates killed 7 (all military) and Boko Zamfara on 20 January 2019. Haram killed 8 (all civilians). 3

TERRORISM IN AFRICA: ISSUE OF DEFINITION

 Notwithstanding the lack of a universal definition of terrorism, article 1 paragraph 3, (a) and (b) and article 3 of the African Union in its 1999 CONVENTION ON THE PREVENTION AND COMBATING OF TERRORISM, defines what constitutes a Terrorist Act.

 The African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) and therefore this Africa Terrorism Bulletin defers to this definition.

INTRODUCTION

The objective of the Africa Terrorism Bulletin is to provide a fortnight assessment of terrorism and violent extremism situation and trends on the continent. This is aimed at providing African Union Member States up to date information on terrorism incidents and its related activities. The data for the analysis of this Bulletin, is limited to information stored in the ACSRT Database, collected in conformity with the definition of terrorist acts as defined by the 1999 OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism. The ACSRT maintains a robust database that stores information on terrorism, more specifically, on terrorist groups and individuals, terrorist activities and related scourges, and avail this information to the African Union Commission and the African Union Member States. The information for the Database is collected by the ACSRT Situation Room Team using the Africa Media Monitor (AMM) developed in collaboration with the European Union Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) for advanced web mining and information extraction. By dint of the AMM, the Situation Room Team scans and accesses over 1400 websites 7/24 and retrieves real time information on terrorist incidents in the four official AU languages (English, French, Arabic and Portuguese). The Centre also stores terrorism related information received from Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs) based on existing cooperation, in addition to information received through the AU Continental Early Warning Situation-Room as well as reports from AU Field Missions. To ensure validity and reliability of the data stored in the database, the Centre verifies all terrorism incidents retrieved by means of the AMM, RECs and RMs from the ACSRT Focal Points of the Member States. The Focal Points are the official representatives appointed by each of the 55 Member States to collaborate and share information on terrorism and related activities with the ACSRT. As a mandated body of the African Union, the information provided by the Member States on terrorism regarding the number of attacks, deaths and injuries recorded and as verified by the Focal Points are considered the right number and official data for the ACSRT Database irrespective of any conflicting number from other sources.

THREAT UPDATE

Terrorism and Violent Extremism remain significant threats to international peace and security. Although no country is immune to these threats, Africa has been particularly susceptible. Weak institutions, porous borders, inadequately trained or ill-equipped security forces, historical grievances and lack of economic opportunities have created conditions for terrorism and violent extremism to grow and fester in parts of the continent. Acts of terrorism and violent extremism, have emerged as major threats to peace, security, stability and development on the continent of Africa. West Africa and the Sahel regions have become home to terrorist groups in recent times such that numerous protracted atrocities have been committed against innocent civilians, security forces, international organizations and government agencies by the various terrorist groups. Terrorist groups have expanded their ambitions, capacities and geographical reach in the Sahel, with devastating impact on human security and economic development. This part of Africa is home to terrorist organizations such as the Boko Haram operating in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger; and the Sahel; Al-Qaida affiliated groups (AQIM, Al murabitoun, Ansar Din and Macina Liberation Front (MLF)) operating under the name Jama’a Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen (JNIM) have escalated their attacks in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso; and Ansarul Islam also continue to carry out attacks against civilians and the security forces in Burkina Faso. These groups have established a foothold beyond the countries in which they operated in the past. Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaida affiliate continue to pose significant threat to countries in East Africa. Somalia and Kenya remain the countries most affected by the group’s activities. Even though, the Somalia Armed Forces with the support of African Union troops have fought to regain control of the capital, Mogadishu, the group continue to target international organizations, government agencies, civilians and military posts in the capital. Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) which operates in Democratic Republic of Congo and part of Uganda has carried out several attacks in January 2019. Countries in the Central African Region also face the threats of violent extremism and terrorism. Boko Haram is active in Cameroon and Chad and have carried out several attacks. The Shabaab elements of the Union for Peace in Central Africa and Anti–Balaka militias have all carried out attack in January 2019 in Central African Republic. Rebel groups from Burundi, Separatists in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon and anti- government rebel groups in Chad poses a great threat to the Central African Region. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) have all carried out some attacks in the Democratic Republic of Congo in January 2019. The situation in the Southern African region remains calm. Although Mozambique recorded some terrorist attacks in later part of 2018, no reported attack has been made in January 2019. Authorities in Mozambique continue to pursue individuals perceived to be agents of terrorist groups. In January 2019, three (3) persons suspected to be members of a terrorist group were arrested in Cabo Delgado and are currently undergoing police investigation. In North Africa and the Maghreb, countries have focused on counter-terrorism operations to flash out terrorist groups. While suspected terrorists continue to surrender to authorities in Tamanrasset, Algeria as a result of continuous counter-terrorism operations, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia have either killed, arrested or destroyed terrorist and their cells. In Sinai Peninsula, Egypt Armed Forces have killed close to 75 individuals suspected to be members of terrorist group in January 2019. In Libya, a clash between pro-government militia and anti- government rebels resulted in 13 deaths and 52 injuries in Tripoli. This poses a great setback to a peace deal reached, which resulted in cease fire in later part of 2018. No terrorism related incidents has been recorded in Mauritania, however, authorities continue to tighten security.

GENERAL TREND: TERRORISM ATTACKS/COUNTER-TERRORISM RESPONSE

Figure 1: Map Showing Africa Terrorism Incidents from 16th-31st January, 2019

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019 1. Total Terrorist Attacks: 59 A total of 59 terrorist incidents were recorded from 16th to 31st January 2019. One (1) clash between terrorist groups also took place involving Al-Shabaab and IS Affiliate in Mogadishu, Somalia. There was also an abduction of 15 civilians by LRA in DRC and 1 by Boko Haram in Nigeria.

2. Attacks by Region

Figure 2: Attacks by Region By Regions:  Central Africa: 5  East Africa: 16  North Africa: 1  Southern Africa: 0  West Africa: 38

 West Africa recorded the 9% Central Africa highest number of terrorist attacks. A total of 38 attacks 25% East Africa representing 64% was recorded North Africa within the period. 64% Southern Africa 2% West Africa  East Africa, Central Africa, 0% and North Africa recorded (16) 25%, (5) 9% and (1) 2% of total attacks respectively. There was no recorded attack in Southern Africa

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019 3. Means of Attack

Figure 3: Means of Attacks Means of Attacks:  IEDs: 18  Small Arms and Light 7% Weapons (SALW): 35 3%  Mixed (IEDs and SALW):2 Explosives 31%  Kidnapping:4 SALW

Mixed (Explosives and . Small Arms and Light 59% SALW) Weapons recorded the highest Kidnapping means (59%) by which terrorist groups attack their targets. In 18, out of 59 attacks, terrorists used IEDs.

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

4. Terrorist Groups and their Means of Attack

Figure 4: Groups and their Means of Attack 20

0 Al-Shabaab Boko Haram ISWAP JNIM Ansarul Islam Other IS Affiliates Others

IEDs SALW Mixed (IEDs & SALW) Kidnapping

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019 . Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) continue  Al Shabaab :  IEDs : 6 to be the highest means by which Al-Shabaab  SALW: 2 attacks.  Mixed (IEDs & SALW): 1  Boko Haram:  SALW: 5 . In all attacks carried out by Boko Haram, Small Arms and Light Weapons were used as a means  ISWAP:  IEDs :1 of attack.  SALW: 4 .  JNIM : Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen (JNIM) employ all means in their attack. Although IEDs  IEDs :4 were used most in their attacks, other means  SALW: 3 including kidnapping for ransom were used by  Mixed (IEDs & SALW):1 the group.  Kidnapping: 1

 Ansarul Islam : . Most attacks conducted by the Islamic State  SALW: 2 West Africa were through the use of Small Arms  Other IS Affiliates : and Light Weapon, with only attack using IED.  SALW: 1  Others : . Unidentified and unaffiliated groups’ attacks  IEDs :7 were mainly through the use of SALW, IEDs and

 SALW: 19 Kidnapping.  Kidnapping: 3

5. Primary Targets

Figure 5: Primary Targets Primary Targets  Security/Military Forces: 22  Gov. Officials or Institutions: 7  International Organizations (MINUSMA & AMISOM): 8  Civilians: 22 Security &military Forces 37% 37% Gov. officials or 22of the attacks representing institutions 37 % targeted civilians. International Similarly, (22) 37% of the 14% 12% Organizations attacks targeted national Civilians Security/Military Forces . International Organizations also suffered some significant number of attacks. 8 attacks representing 14% targeted MINUSMA in Mali and AMISOM troops in Somalia. Source: ACSRT Database, 2019 6. Terrorist Groups and their Primary Targets Figure 6: Groups and the Primary Targets 20

0 Al-Shabaab Boko Haram ISWAP JNIM Ansarul Islam Others

Security/Military Civilians Gov't Inst. Int. Org.

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

 Al Shabaab : 10 . Al-Shabaab attacks targeted the  Military/Security : 4 Security/Military and International organization (troops from the African Union  International Org. (Military): 4  Gov. Officials & institutions: 1 Mission in Somalia (AMISOM)) more. Out of  Civilians: 1 the 10 attacks carried out by the group, 4 attacks each targeted the security/military and  Boko Haram: 5  Military/Security : 2 international organization  Civilians: 3  ISWAP: 5  Military/Security : 5 . JNIM attacks also targeted mainly Military  JNIM : 9 and International Organizations. 3 of their attacks targeted military, 3 against  Military/Security : 3 MINUSMA and 2 against civilians.  International Org. (Military): 3

 Gov. Officials & institutions: 1 . All attacks by ISWA targeted Military and  Civilians: 2 Security forces. Boko Haram recorded 3  Ansarul Islam :2 attacks targeting civilians and 2 attacks  Military/Security : 1 targeting military.  Gov’t Inst.:1  Others : 28 . In the others were no group claimed

 Military/Security : 7 responsibility and those by armed groups,  International Org. (Military): 1 civilians were mostly targeted.  Gov. Officials & institutions: 4

 Civilians: 16

7. Total Terrorism Related Deaths

Figure 7: Total Terrorism Related Total Terrorism Related Deaths: 557 Deaths  Security/Military: 140  Terrorists: 307  Civilians: 108

. A total of 555 terrorism related deaths were 20% 25% recorded within the period Securitry incl. military under review. Terrorists . Out of a total of 555 55% ivilians terrorism related deaths recorded within the period, 55% were members of terrorist groups whereas 25% and 20% were Security/Military Officers and civilians respectively.

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

Total Deaths Related to Terrorist Attacks: 283 Total Deaths Related to Deliberate CT Operations: 272  Security/Military: 131  Terrorists: 46  Security/Military: 9  Civilians: 108  Terrorists: 261  Civilians: 2

 283 out of the 555 terrorism related deaths

resulted from terrorist attacks.  Counter-Terrorism Operations

recorded 272 deaths, out of which  Security and Military Forces were the major 261 were members of terrorist groups. casualties of attacks perpetrated by terrorist Two civilians working as vigilantes groups accounting for 131 out of 285 deaths for the security died during counter terrorism operations in Nigeria.

 Also 108 Civilians were killed by terrorist attacks

Figure 8: Deaths Related to Terrorist Attacks and Deliberate CT Operations

300

250

200

Security &military 150 Terrorists Civilians 100

0 Total deaths related to attacks Total deaths related to CT operations

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

8. Deaths by Region

Figure 9: Deaths by Regions Deaths by Regions:  Central Africa: 39  0 military/sec.;  21 Civilians;  18 terrorists  East Africa: 172  57 military/sec.; 7%  10 Civilians; Central Africa  107 terrorists 45% 31% East Africa  North Africa: 95 North Africa  7 military/sec.; Southern Africa  0 Civilians; 17%  88 terrorists West Africa  Southern Africa: 0  West Africa: 249 0%  76 military/sec.;  79 Civilians;  94 terrorists

. West Africa region Source: ACSRT Database, 2019 recorded the highest number of terrorism Figure 10: Regional Deaths by Category related deaths. 45% of all deaths recorded within Military incl. Security Civilians Terrorists the period happened in this region.

. East Africa, where al-

94 Shabaab operates recorded a total number of deaths of 172 representing 31% of all 107 79 terrorism related deaths.

. Southern Africa recorded 8 88 no terrorism incidents, 76 18 57 hence no death. Most 21 0 0 7 0 death occurring in C E N T R A L EAST N O R T H S O U T H E R N W E S T Northern Africa were AFRICA AFRICA AFRICA AFRICA AFRICA terrorists killed during

CT operations. Source: ACSRT Database

9. Deaths by Means of Attack

Figure 11: Deaths by Means of Attack Deaths by Means of Attack  IEDs: 62  Small Arms and Light Weapons: 198  Mixed (IEDs and SALW): 6% 1% 18 SALW  Kidnapping:1 22% Explosives . SALW accounted for 71% of Mixed (Explosives and terrorists attack related deaths, SALW) whereas Improvised Explosive 71% Kidnapping Devices (IEDs) recorded 22 % of the terrorists attack related deaths.

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

10. Attacks/Victims by Terrorist Groups

Victims Killed by Terrorist Groups 250 Attacks by Terrorist Groups  Boko Haram: 8 (all civilians)  Boko Haram: 5  Al-shabaab: 56 (54 military; 2 civilians)  Al-shabaab: 10  JNIM: 18 (16 Military; 2 civilians)  JNIM: 9  Ansarul Islam :5 (all soldiers)  Ansarul Islam: 2  ISWAP: 51 (all military)  ISWAP: 5  Other IS Affiliates: 7  Other IS affiliates:1  Others: 103 (7 military; 96 civilians)  Others:28

. Al-shabaab carried out the highest number of attacks killing a total of 56 persons. This comprises of 54 military/security forces and 2 civilians.

. JNIM carried out a total of 9 attacks killing 18 persons. . Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), whose attacks targeted only military, killed a total of 51 security and military forces.

. Boko Haram operating in the Lake Chad Basin area conducted 5 attacks killing 8 civilians. . Ansarul Islam carried out 2 attacks killing 5 soldiers. Other IS affiliate groups killed a total of 7 military personnel in counter-terrorism operation.

Figure 12: Attacks/Victims by Terrorist groups

120

103 100

60 56 51

40 28

18 20 10 9 8 5 5 5 7 2 1 0 Attacks by terrorist groups Victims killed by terrorisr group

Boko Haram Al-shabaab JNIM ISWA Ansarul Islam Other IS Affiliates Others

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019 Figure 13: Category of Victims Killed by Terrorist Groups

MILITARy CIVILIANS

2 96 0

54 2 51

23 0 8 0 7 7 0 5

B O K O AL- SHABAAB JNIM ISWAP A N S A R U L O T H E R I S OTHERS HARAM ISLAM AFFILIATES

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

11. Members of Terrorist Groups Killed

Members of Terrorists Groups Killed: 307  Boko Haram: 6  Al-shabaab: 107  JNIM: 3  ISWAP: 5  Other IS affiliates:75  Others:111 . Among the members of terrorist groups killed in counter- terrorism operations and combat missions,

Al-shabaab suffered the highest number of casualties. The insurgent group lost 107 of their members through counter -terrorism operations, whereas other groups’ affiliates in the Sinai Peninsula lost 75 members.

. 111 other terrorist and insurgents were killed in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, including 58 armed bundits killed in Zamfara, Nigeria. Boko Haram lost 6 militants.

Figure 14: Members of Terrorist Groups Killed

Members of Terrorist Group Killed

111

107

5 3

B O K O H A R A M AL- SHABAB JNIM ISWAP O T H E R I S OTHERS AFFILIATES

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

12. Five Most Affected Countries . Mali recorded the highest number of Table 1: Five (5) Countries Most Affected attacks (17) and Country Total Total Deaths Total injured attack related deaths Attacks Related to (91). Somalia Attacks recorded 12 attacks resulting in 60 attack Mali 17 91 50 related deaths. Somalia 12 64 63 . Nigeria recorded 60 Nigeria 8 60 38 deaths in 8 attacks and Burkina Faso 19 Burkina Faso 11 19 7 deaths in 11 attacks. Niger 2 5 4 Niger recorded 2 attacks resulting in 5

attack related deaths Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

Figure 15: Five Areas with High Recorded Incidents

160

140 50

120 63

100

91 60

64 40 60 7

19 20 17 4 12 8 11 5 2 0 Mali Somalia Nigeria Burkina Faso Niger

Total Attacks Total Attack Related Deaths Total Attack Related Injury

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

TERRORISM INCIDENTS THE MOST FATAL ATTACKS

13. Most Fatal Terrorism Incidents Table 2: List of Most Fatal Terrorism Incidents No Country City Date Group Deaths Description 1 Mali Menaka 15/11/19 *NGCR 34 Civ. Armed men attacked two villages and shot at people 2 Somalia Burhakaba 18/01/19 Al-Shabaab 31 Mil. AU peacekeepers armored personal carrier was attacked 3 Nigeria Borno 26/01/19 ISWA 30 Mil. Assailants attacked a military base 4 Central Ouaka 25/01/19 Shabaab 18 Civ. Assailants attacked a funeral gathering African with guns Republic 5 Mali Kidal 20/01/19 JNIM 10 Mil The MINUSMA camp was attacked by Terrorists Source: ACSRT Database, 2019 *No Group Claimed Responsibility ,

IN FOCUS THE SAHEL REGION

Figure 16: Map Showing Countries of the Sahel Region

Source: Adapted from World Atlas, 2017

14. Total Attacks in the Sahel Region

Figure 17: Attacks in the Sahel Total Attacks in Africa: 60  Sahel region: 37  Other Parts of Africa: 22

 Within the period under review, the Sahel region recorded a total number of 37 attacks representing 63% of all the attacks in Africa. 37% Sahel Region Other Part of Africa  Countries in the Sahel region that 63% recorded attacks are Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. 17 attacks occurred in Mali, 12 in Burkina Faso, 8 in Nigeria, 2 in Niger and 1 in Algeria.

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019 15. Means of Attack in the Sahel Figure 18: Means of Attack in the Sahel

15 Sahel Region Other Parts of Africa 10

0 SALW IED Mixed Kidnapping

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

Means of Attack in the Sahel  Out of a total of 35 attacks using SALW, the Sahel recorded 27.  SALW: 35

 Sahel: 27  Other Parts of Africa: 8  This means that, SALW remain the highest means by which terrorist groups attack their  IED: 19 target.  Sahel: 8  Other Parts of Africa: 10  The use of IEDs were also high in the Sahel region. 8 attacks in the Sahel used IEDs as  Mixed: 2 against 11 in the rest of Africa  Sahel: 1  Other Parts of Africa: 1  All kidnapping that took place within the period happened in the Sahel region. Burkina Faso and  Kidnapping: 4 Mali recorded two kidnapping each.

 Sahel: 4

 Other Parts of Africa: 0

16. Total Deaths Recorded in the Sahel

Figure 19: Deaths in the Sahel Region Total Deaths in Africa: 555  Sahel Region: 253  Other Parts of Africa: 302

 46% of the terrorism related deaths recorded within the period under review occurred in the Sahel region whereas 46% 54% occurred in other 54% Sahel Region parts of Africa. Other Parts of Africa  The countries in the Sahel where these deaths occurred were Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

17. Deaths by Category in the Sahel Region

Figure 20: Deaths by Category in the Sahel region 250

213

200

150

100 94 83 76 64

50 25

0 Military/Security Civilians Terrorists

Sahel Region Other Part of Africa

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

Deaths by Category in the Sahel Region . 83 Civilians representing 77% of all civilian deaths happened in the Sahel region as  Security: 140 against 25 (23%) in the rest of Africa  Sahel: 76

 Other Parts of Africa: 64 . Majority of the security/military forces who  Civilians: 110 died within the period, died in the Sahel region. 76 Military/Security Officers were  Sahel: 83 killed in the Sahel whereas 64 were killed in  Other Parts of Africa: 27 the rest of Africa  Terrorists: 307  Sahel: 94  Other Parts of Africa: 213 . 94 members of terrorist groups were eliminated in the Sahel region as against 213 in the rest of Africa

15. Synthesis of Terrorism Incidents in Africa 21. Synthesis of Terrorism Incidents in Africa Table 3: Synthesis of Terrorism Incidents in Africa Table 3: Synthesis of Terrorism Incidents in Africa

Country/ Type and total of attacks Total Dead Total Wounded Primary Targets Regions:

Central Africa

East Africa

North Africa N Southern Africa o West Africa

Arrested Terrorists Arrested

Rebels/terrorists Rebels/terrorists Clashes

Civilians

Explosives Explosives (IED) and Arms Small light weapons (SALW) and Mixed (IED SALW) Kidnapping Security/Military Terrorists Civilians Security/Military Terrorists Civilians Hostages Security/Military Government officials or institutions International Organizations 1 Cameroun - 1 - - - - 4 - - - 7 - - - - - 1 2 CAR - 2 - - - - 1 18 - - 23 - - - - - 2 3 DRC - 2 - - 1 - 13 - - - 1 15 1 - - - 2 Burundi 1 ------8 - - - - - 1 Kenya 1 1 - - - - - 1 - - 2 - 17 - 1 - 1 Somalia 8 3 1 - 1 57 107 7 47 - 16 - - 5 1 4 2 5 Algeria 1 ------2 - - - 9 1 - - - 6 Egypt - - - - - 7 75 ------7 Libya - - - - 1 - 13 - - 52 ------8 Maroc ------13 - - - - 9 Mozambique ------3 - - - - -10 Burkina Faso - 10 - 2 - 5 - 14 5 - 2 - - 3 2 - 6 11 Mali 6 8 1 2 - 18 24 55 48 - 2 Nd 18 5 3 4 5 12 Niger - 2 - - - - 1 4 1 - 3 - - 1 - - 1 13 Nigeria 1 7 - - - 53 69 6 32 - 6 1 - 7- - - 1 Sub-Total 18 35 2 4 3 140 307 108 135 52 70 16 61 22 7 8 22 General Total 59 3 555 307 16 61 60

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019 NB: The color codes show countries in regions where incidents were recorded CAR: Central African Republic DRC: Democratic Republic of Congo Nd: Not determined

22. Synthesis Terrorist Groups Activities in Africa Table 4: Synthesis of Terrorist Groups Activities in Africa

al-Shabaab Boko ISWAP JNIM Ansarul Other IS Others Sub-Total TOTAL Haram Islam Affiliates

Military & Security 4 2 5 3 1 - 7 22 International Org. 4 - - 3 - - 1 8 59 Attacks Gov. Off. & 1 - - 1 1 - 4 7 Institutions

Civilians 1 3 - 2 - - 16 23 Deaths Military & Security 54 - 51 16 5 7 7 140 248

Civilians 2 8 - 2 - - 96 108 Injured Military & Security 47 10 14 44 4 - 16 135 204

Victims Civilians 5 10 - - - - 54 69

IEDs 6 - 1 4 - - 7 18 Means of attack SALW 2 5 4 3 2 - 19 35 59 Mix (IEDs & SALW) 1 - - 1 - - - 2 Kidnapping - - - 1 - - 3 4 Lost (Killed) 107 6 5 3 - 75 111 307 307 Arrested 17 - - 1 - 13 30 61 61 Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

RECORD OF INCIDENTS BY REGIONS

CENTRAL AFRICA Figure 21: Map Showing the Central Africa Region

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019 CAMEROON On 16 January 2019 in Buea-Kumba.Thirty-six passengers abducted by gunmen on 15th January 2019 in Cameroon's southwest were released. The kidnappers collected money, mobile phones and other belongings of the victims before releasing them. No casualties were reported.

On 20 January 2019 in Aschigachia, Mayo-Tsanaga. Armed men from Boko Haram attacked the town. 99 houses were burned and seven civilians were injured in the terrorist attack.

On 24 January 2019 in Matoh, Konye. The Cameroonian Army ambushed separatist fighters’ camp. Four separatists were killed including the head of the Southern Cameroons Defense Forces (SOCADEF), General Andrew Ngoe. Weapons and ammunition were seized and the camp destroyed.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC On 24th January 2019 in Alindo. A UN report indicated that 3 people were killed by anti-balaka militias on 10th January 2019

On 25 January 2019 in Ippy, Ouaka. The Shabaab armed elements of the UPC in Central Africa attacked a funeral gathering using guns. 18 civilians were killed and 23 others injured.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

On 19th January 2019 in Dungu, Kana. LRA rebels attacked the community. 15 people were kidnapped, food, money, and other valuables were taken away.

On 20th January 2019 in Mabadabada, Niangara. LRA rebels attacked 3 motorcyclists. 1 of them was seriously injured while the other two survived unharmed, but their belongings were carried away by the rebels.

On 21th January 2019 in Niangara. Armed Forces of the DRC in an operation killed 5 LRA rebels and wounded many of them. One of them was also captured.

On 27 January 2019 in Murambi, South Kivu. Rebels of RedTabara and the Imbonerakure militia clashed. Eight people died in clash.

Figure 22: Map Showing the East Africa Region EAST AFRICA

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

BURUNDI

On 27 January 2019 in Buterere, Bujumbura. Assailants carried out grenade attack in a bar.8 people were injured. There was no claim of responsibility.

KENYA

On 26 January 2019 in Latema, Nairobi. Two people were wounded after bomb explosion went off in Kenya’s capital Nairobi. The explosion occurred near Odeon Cinema. No group claimed responsibility.

On 27 January 2019 in Samburu, Rift Valley. Security forces arrested 17 suspected Al-Shabaab recruits. The suspected recruits were being prepared to be transported to Somalia. They were 2 female and 15 males aged between 18-27.

On 30 January 2019 in Garissa. Members of the Al-shabaab group destroyed local mobile phone service providers' masts affecting telecommunication network. This was done to make the militants' movements easy and avoid detection.

SOMALIA

On 18 January 2019 in Burhakaba, Southern Bay. Al-Shabaab attacked African Union peacekeepers’ armored personal carrier. 31 Soldiers were killed and 26 wounded in the roadside bomb explosion and 7 armored vehicles were burned.

On 19 January 2019 in Sanguni, Juba. Al-Shabaab attacked a military base in the area. Although the group claimed to have killed 41 soldiers, government denied the number and put the death toll at 8 soldiers while other 19 soldiers were injured.

On 19 January 2019 in Bar-Sanguni, Juba. Following the al-shabaab attack on the military base, US airforce and the Somali soldiers carried out airstrikes against the militant group. The airstrike killed 73 Al-shabaab militants.

On 20 January 2019 in Shimbirey, Mogadishu. Armed men attacked a Chinese road construction site near Kenyan border. Four people were wounded. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

On 22nd January 2019 in Sodonka, Mogadishu. A road side bomb explosion killed two people and injured three others, including two Syrian nationals. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

On 23 January 2019 in Mogadishu. Al-Shabaab attacked a military post using IED. 6 soldiers were killed.

On 24 January 2019 in Jilib, Juba. U.S military carried out two drone strikes against major stronghold of Al-Shabaab. The air raids killed one militant.

On 25 January 2019 in Mogadishu. At least six people, including three government soldiers were shot dead by gunmen. Three women, who witnessed the assassination, were also shot dead at the scene. No group claimed responsibility.

On 26 January 2019 in Buranearea, Mogadishu. Roadside bomb explosion ripped through an armored vehicle carrying African Union peacekeeping soldiers. 3 Burundian soldiers were died. Al-shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.

On 27 January 2019 in Burane. Al-shabaab attacked Africa Union Mission convoy. Six Djibouti soldiers were killed in the attack and one vehicle belonging to the Mission was destroyed.

On 27 January 2019 in Jalalaqsi. Somalia National Army (SNA) and African Union Forces carried out an anti-terror operation against Al-shabaab. One senior al-shabaab official collecting taxes in the town was killed. Two SNA forces were wounded in the operation.

On 28 January 2019 in Miral, Bari. Al-Shabaab militants clashed with Islamic States fighters. The fighting comes after Al-Shabaab militants gunned down a pro-Islamic State commander in January in the southern Somali town of Bu’ale.

On 28 January 2019 in Jowhar, Shabelle. Assailants hurled a grenade at a security checkpoint. No casualties were recorded. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, however local police suspected Al-shabaab.

On 29 January 2019 in Jalalaqsi ,Hiran. Al-shabaab attacked African Union military base. No known number of casualties was reported.

On 29 January 2019 in Mogadishu. Two people were killed and five others wounded in a car bomb explosion. Al-shabaab claimed responsibility for the blast.

On 30 January 2019 in Burhakaba, Southern Bay. Ethiopian military carried out airstrike at the militants’ base. 32 members of al-shabaab were killed in the strike.

On 30 January in Mogadishu. Assailants hurled IED through a vehicle carrying two foreign electronic engineers and two other local workers. The bomb explosion wounded four people. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

NORTH AFRICA

Figure 23: Map showing the North Africa Region

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019 ALGERIA On 22 January 2019 in Tamanrasset. Two terrorists by the name of ChemnmassMahma (alias "ElZerkaoui") and Moussa Hassini (alias "Abu-Abdelkarim") surrendered to the military authorities.They were in possession of: 1 rocket launcher type RPG-7; 1 heavy machine gun of (14.5) mm caliber; 1 machine gun type Kalashnikov and three loaded chargers; 1 rocket and a propelling charge for rocket launcher RPG-7 and; several ammunitions amounting to 13160 bullets of different calibers.

On 25 January 2019 in Tamanrasset. A terrorist by the name DichiliDammi (alias "El-Nacer") surrendered to the military authorities, in possession of one machine gun type Dictariov and a quantity of ammunition.

On 26 January 2019 inTamanrasset. A detachment of the Algerian Army discovered a cache of weapons including the following: 1 barrel for tank of 82 caliber 82mm; 1 missile of GRAD BM-21 of caliber 122mm; a heavy machine of KPVT type of caliber 14,5 mm; 8 shells of caliber 82mm; 6 grenades as well as 2 boxes, 2 loaders of ammunition and 600 rounds of 14,5 mm.

29th January 2019 in Sidi Bel Abbes. An artisanal craft exploded, injuring two soldiers. The bomb is suspected to have been placed by terrorists. No group claimed responsibility.

On 30 January 2019 in Tamanrasset. A terrorist by the name of Berbouchi Ramdane (alias “Ezzoubir”) surrendered to the military authorities. Ramdane was in possession of one Kalashnikov-type machine gun and 4 ammunition magazines.

On 30 January 2019 in Annaba. Algerian Security Forces destroyed a recruitment cell of IS (Daesh) composed by five terrorists who were planning to go in Iraq and Syria. 2 of them were from the Wilaya (Province) of Annaba, while the others were from Algiers, Guelma and Bousâada/M’sila.

EGYPT On 20th January 2019 in Sinai, Peninsula. Egyptian security forces carried out anti-terror operation. 14 militants were killed and a ton of explosives were seized. On 22 January 2019 in Sinai, Peninsula. Egyptian security forces carried out counter-terrorism operation. 59 militants were killed, hundreds of weapons, explosive devices and vehicles were seized. Seven security forces also died in the operation.

On 27 January 2019 in Sinai, Peninsula. Egyptian Armed Forces carried out an airstrike that targeted a terrorist outpost in North Sinai. A number of militants were killed in the attack, including two senior leaders of a terrorist group.

MORROCO

On 23 January 2019 in Casablanca. The Moroccan authorities arrested 13 people over suspicion of forming a cell linked to the IS group. The suspects, aged between 22 and 44, were active in the northern cities.

LIBYA

On 18 January 2019 in Tripoli. Clashes erupted between pro-government militia and opposition militia groups. 13 persons died and 52 injured.

Figure 24: Map showing the Western Africa Region SOUTHERN AFRICA

Source: Adapted from World Map, n.d

MOZAMBIQUE

On 29 January 2019 in Cabo Delgado. The Mozambican police arrested three people suspected to be terrorists. The three are undergoing police investigation. WEST AFRICA

Figure 25: Map showing the Southern Africa Region

Source: ACSRT Database, 2019

BURKINA FASO

On 16 January 2019 in Tiabongou,Yagha. A Canadian man, identified as Kirk Woodman, was abducted by suspected terrorists. Woodman worked for the Progress Mineral Mining Company. He was found dead a day later. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

On 18 January 2019 in Derpon, Loroum. Armed militants attacked and killed the Municipal Councilor in Derpon. NJIM was suspected to have carried out the attack.

On 18 January 2019 in Gorom Gorom, Oudalan. Three armed men attacked the town by opening fire indiscriminately. One person was confirmed dead. No group claimed responsibility.

On 22nd January 2019 in Soudougui, Koulpelogo. Armed men open fire at a vehicle carrying a Czech national. No group claimed responsibility and no casualties were reported.

On 24 January 2019 in Mansila, Yagha. A police station was attacked by gunmen. No casualties were reported. Several vehicles and motorbikes were set ablaze. The attack was claimed by JNIM.

On 25 January 2019 in Boukari, Oudalan. A deputy Imam was abducted by armed men from NJIM. The man was killed and the body was later discovered in the vicinity of Petoye.

On 26 January 2019 in Solhan,Yagha. Armed men attacked the village. No casualties were reported. However, beverage outlets were set ablaze. No group claimed responsibility.

On 27 January 2019 in Sikire, Soum. Armed men stormed the town and shot at people in shops. 10 civilians were killed and 2 injured. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

On 28 January 2019 in Mougounougoboko, Kain. Ansarul-Islam militants opened fire against housing units of the teachers in the town before ransacking them while pupils and teachers fled the areas

On 28 January 2019 in Nassoumbou, Soum. Armed men attacked a military base. Security forces report indicates the assailants used rockets. Five soldiers were killed and four others injured.

On 29 January 2019 in Kabonga, Kompienga. Armed men from JNIM attacked passengers, robbed and seized the vehicle they were traveling in.

On 30 January 2019 in Kompienbiga, Pama. Armed men attacked a military detachment with rockets and heavy weapons. One soldier was injured. No group claimed responsibility MALI

On 16 January 2019 in Koulogon, Mopti. Malian Armed Forces arrested two Dozo traditional hunters suspected to be part of the assailants who killed 37 Fulani civilians on 1stJnuary 2019.

On 16 January 2019 in Taghatert, Menaka. Armed men attacked two villages. 34 Tuaregs were killed comprising 8 members of Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA) and 26 civilians. 2 civilians were also injured. The identity of the assailants was unknown and no group claimed responsibility.

On 18 January 2019 in Dialloube. Five suspected terrorists were killed in an airstrike by the Malian Armed Forces with support from French Military. The joint coordinated airstrike between French military and Malian soldiers resulted in the killing on January 10 2019.

On 19 January 2019 in Attara, Timbuktu. Armed men kidnapped the second deputy Governor of Soumpi. He was released the following day in front of his house alive.

On 20 January 2019 in Arguelhok, Kidal. Assailants attacked MINUSMA camp. The Assailants used Vehicle borne IED, small arms fires and RPG 7. 10 Soldiers of Chadian nationalities were killed, and 25 injured. 3 terrorists were killed and one arrested. JNIM claimed responsibility for the attack.

On 21 January 2019 in Toye, Seguo. Armed men attacked Malian Defense and Security Forces. The security forces repulsed the attack and killed 13 of the assailants. One soldier was killed by the armed elements. No group claimed responsibility.

On 22 January 2019 in Baye, Mopti. Vehicle belonging to Malian Armed Forces was attacked with an IED. Two members of FAMa were injured.

On 23 January 2019 in Intillit, Gao. Armed men attacked the camp of Intillit’s Mayor. Two civilians were killed including the mayor’s son. The assailants also burned one vehicle. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

On 24 January 2019 in Douentza, Mopti. MINUSMA mission convoy was attacked by terrorist group. The IED thrown on the convoy wounded one soldier. JN IM claimed responsibility for the attack.

On 24 January, 2019 in Diougoni, Mopti. FAMa patrol conducted anti-terrorists search operations. The operation resulted in one suspected terrorist been killed, and 13 others arrested.

On 25 January 2019 in Douentza, Mopti. FAMa convoy escorting prisoners was hit by an IED. Two FAMa soldiers were killed, two others injured, and a FAMa vehicle was damaged. JNIM claimed responsibility for the attack.

On 25 January 2019 in Douentza, Mopti. Four unidentified armed elements hijacked the vehicle of a Forest Guard. The local population intervened and snatched an AK-47 from the assailants. Two of the assailants were killed.

On 25 January 2019 in Douentza, Mopti. MINUSMA convoy was attacked by terrorist group. Two soldiers were killed and six wounded. JNIM claimed responsibility for the attack

On 25 January 20219 in Ansongo , Gao. The GATIA-MSA coalition carried out an anti-terrorist operation in Faty-faty, Sorory, Soreyhondey and Tinazir villages. Two suspected terrorists were arrested, and four motorcycles seized.

On 26 January 2019 in Ansongo. Unidentified gunmen attacked the Daoussak family. Seven people were shot dead. No group claimed responsibility.

On 26 January 2019 in Ansongo. Unidentified armed men attacked the community. Four members of the Daoussak community were shot dead. No group claimed responsibility

On 27 January 2019 in Tougou ,Macina. Four transport vehicles bound for northern Mali were intercepted on the Gomakoura-Lere road by unidentified gunmen. The vehicles and their passengers were taken to an unknown destination. No casualties were recorded and no group has claimed responsibility.

On 28 January 2019 in Toye, Macina. FAMa vehicle was attacked with a mine/IED. Two soldiers died and two others wounded. JNIM claimed of responsibility for the attack

On 28 January 2019 in Tessit, Kidal. A patrol team of international security forces was attacked by suspected terrorist. The suspected terrorist was captured by the security. He was in possession of AK-47 assault rifle and 17 rounds of ammunition.

On 29 January 2019 in Tidermene, Menaka. Unidentified armed individuals attacked the village. Eight members of the Daoussak community were shot dead. No group claimed responsibility.

On 29 January 2019 in Tarkint, Gao. Armed men attacked FAMa vehicle using IED. Four soldiers died and eight injured. JNIM claimed responsibility for the attack.

NIGER On 25 January 2019 in Tillakaina, Tillaberi. Terrorists attacked a military post. The Nigerien Defense and Security Forces (FDS) fired back killing one terrorist. A Nigerien police officer was injured. No group claimed responsibility.

On 28 January 2019 in Bosso. Armed men from Boko Haram attacked the town. Four people were shot dead and three others injured. Several homes and three vehicles loaded with red pepper were also set ablaze.

NIGERIA

On 17 January 2019 in Kamuya, Borno. Islamic States West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked a military post. Six Nigerian soldiers were killed and 14 injured. Militants took away four military vehicles and destroyed two others.

On 19 January 2019 in Baga, Borno. Nigerian Armed Forces troops carried out an operation. 8 militants of ISWAP were killed. The group had earlier attacked the military using a suicide car bomb (SVBIED).

On 19 January 2019 in Mafa, Borno. The Nigerian Army ambushed Boko Haram insurgents in an operation at Kajeri community. Two terrorists were killed and two women held hostage by the terrorists were rescued.

On 20 January 2019 in Dumburum, Zamfara. Troops from the Nigerian Armed Forces carried out anti- terror operation. 58 armed bandits were killed and 75 kidnapped victims were rescued. The troops recovered from the bandits 5 Fabric National rifles, 4 AK47 rifles, 10 locally made rifles, 1 locally fabricated pistol and 40 motor cycles. Two soldiers and two civilians died in the operation. 8 soldiers and 6 civilians were also injured.

On 20 January 2019 in Gujba,Yobe. Armed men attacked a military post. The military fought back and defeated the armed men from Boko Haram. Two guntrucks belonging to the terrorists were recovered while some of them were neutralized. Four soldiers were injured.

On 23 January 2019 in Gaidam, Yobe. ISWAP attacked a military base. 8 soldiers were killed. One member of the community was abducted. A military “Tank” and five four-wheel drive vehicles were taken away, along with weapons and ammunition.

On 23 January 2019 in Ajiri, Borno. ISWAP fighters attacked a military base. Seven soldiers were killed and others injured. The militants took away a four-wheel drive vehicle, weapons and ammunition.

On 25 January 2019 in Kaicungul, Borno. The Nigerian Air Force carried out an airstrike and destroyed a terrorists’ hideout. The area is where the terrorists assemble to launch attacks against Nigerian Soldiers.

On 25 January 2019 in Makinta Meleri, Borno. The Armed Forces of Nigeria attacked Boko Haram hideouts. Four members of the group were killed by the Military in the raid.

On 26 January 2019 in Logomani, Borno. ISWAP fighters attacked a military base near the border with Cameroon. 30 soldiers were killed.

On 27 January 2019 in Pulka, Borno : Boko Haram attacked a military post. Six soldiers were injured in the attack.

On 28 January 2019 in Sambisa, Borno. The Nigerian Air Force carried out an airstrike against Boko Haram logistics base. The attack resulted in the destruction of several structures and neutralization of some Boko Haram terrorists.

On 28 January 2019 in Molai, Borno. Boko Haram attacked the village. Four civilians were killed in the attack.

TERRORISM RELATED NEWS

On 24 January 2019 in Mali. The identity of the suicide bomber who blew up a car bomb in the MINUSMA camp in Aguelhock on Sunday, January 20, 2019 was revealed. JNIM unveiled, on Thursday, January 24, a photo of the kamikaze named Mohamed Ahmed Ag Lmida. He was a Tuareg of the Imazekarane fraction belonging to the great Ifoghas tribe of the Kidal region.. According to MINUSMA, the fact that a Tuareg of that age makes a suicide operation is puzzling as suicide operations were mainly conducted by young people.

On 30 January in Kenya. Mobile money agents in Kenya have become cautious as the police investigate a link between use of the service and terror activities in the East African nation. Ongoing investigations into the recent terror attack in Kenya's capital Nairobi, where 21 people were killed and several others injured by terrorists allied to Somali group al-Shabaab, have placed mobile money at the heart of the terror financing. Documents filed in Kenyan court by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit in ongoing prosecution of suspects linked to the attack showed that one of them transacted at least 100 million Kenyan shillings (1 million U.S. dollars) via mobile money in few months. Another suspect received over 90,000 dollars via mobile from South Africa months before the terror attack and channeled it to terror suspects through 47 SIM cards. It is a complex network that has baffled investigators as they work overdrive to unravel the local and cross-border terror financing network via mobile money.

CONCLUSION

The period under review witnessed escalated and sophisticated attacks from terrorist groups mainly targeting Security and Military Forces. Terrorist groups have begun the use of different means in targeting their targets. This is evidenced in the attack on MINUSMA camp on 20th January 2019, in which JNIM employed tactics that was previously not known for. The sophisticated nature of the attacks, particularly those carried out by the Islamic in State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and the Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen (JNIM) reveal a change in tactics adopted by the terrorist groups to maximize casualties. The change in tactics could be a reflection of the presence of Foreign Terrorists Fighters (FTF) among these groups. The results further revealed that, the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) as a means of attack have become common among the various terrorist groups. In majority of attacks carried out by Al-Shabaab, IEDs were mostly used. Although the group used Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in some of their attacks, IEDs were mostly used in lot of their attacks against the security and military forces from the Somalia National Army (SNA) and troops from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Most of the attacks by JNIM in Mali against the Malian Armed Forces and the troops from MINUSMA involved the use of IEDs. ISWAP also made use of IEDs against troops of the Nigeria Armed Forces (NAF). With the increasing use of IEDs as the most trusted means of attack, it is imperative for security agencies to develop a mechanism against the use of IEDs by terrorist groups in their counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency programs. Faced with these growing and complex attacks, security forces have remained responsive to the situation. Counter-Terrorism Operations have gained momentum in January 2019 as the results demonstrate. A significant number of terrorists were neutralized in Somalia, Nigeria, Mali and the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. However, what is worrying is the continuous recruitment of young people into terrorists and extremists groups as evidenced in Northern Mali, Somalia, Burkina Faso and Nigeria. This calls for a blend of kinetic militaristic strategy and human security responses in order to significantly diminish the capabilities of the terrorist groups. There is the need to securing the commitment of Africa’s political elite to the realization that military power per se as a guarantor of national security has the propensity to degenerate into regime security. The referent object of national security should be the individual citizenry and their local communities, the identification of their vulnerabilities, their protection and their empowerment to acquire the required resilience that enables them live in dignity. This is fundamental to ensuring a balance between counter-terrorism and human rights to the extent of providing a platform for addressing those conditions that could otherwise nurture violent extremism, rebellion and possibly terrorism as indicated in Pillar1 of the Global Counter-Terrorism strategy. The pursuit of justice, participatory political policies, and the promotion of favorable socio-economic conditions that promote human development, human rights and inclusive policies in local communities should be regarded as effective means of striking a balance between counter terrorisms and human rights.

FORECAST FOR NEXT EDITION The next edition of the Africa Terrorism Bulletin will cover terrorism incidents from 1st-15th February, 2019.

ABOUT ACSRT The African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) was established as a structure of the African Union in 2004. The decision to establish the Centre was taken in 2002 as part of the AU Plan of Action to Prevent and Combat of Terrorism. Its primary role is to assist AU member States build their Counter- Terrorism capacities. Its mandate includes the conduct of research, analysis and studies on the terrorism situation and terrorist groups in Africa, maintaining a terrorism database, centralizing information on terrorism and sharing this with AU Member States. The Centre conducts assessment missions to various AU Member States in order to ascertain their Counter-Terrorism capability and compliance with International Legal instruments and then provide advice on what needs to be done. In its capacity building effort, the Centre conducts seminars, workshops and training sessions in various aspects of Counter-terrorism for Member States and facilitates the drafting of their Counter-Terrorism legislation, strategies and Plans of Action in accordance with human rights requirements.

African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) Centre Africain d’Etude et de Recherche sur le Terrorisme (CAERT)

Adress : CAERT, 1 Rue Chahid Boughzara Abdella, BP 141 El-Mohammadia, Algiers, Algeria ; Tel : +213 21 520 110 ; Fax : +213 21 520 378 ; Email : [email protected] www.caert-ua.org Twitter: @AU_ACSRT Facebook: @AUACSRT