The threat of Islamic jihadist groups across Africa has grown significantly in recent years, impacting security, governance, and the economy of the continent.

Terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS, and their affiliated groups have carried out deadly attacks, often in remote and under-governed regions. The rise in jihadist activities has prompted African leaders to reassess their security strategies and search for more effective ways to combat these growing threats.

One promising avenue for addressing the problem is the creation of a coalition among African nations that can not only work together to prevent attacks but also establish a unified legal framework with legal ramifications for perpetrators and state sponsors of terrorism. In this article, we explore how such a coalition can be formed, the legal mechanisms it could utilize, and how African nations can work together to combat the jihadist threat more effectively.

The Need for a Pan-African Coalition

The jihadist threat in Africa is multifaceted and varies across regions. In West Africa, Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), have wreaked havoc in Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. In the Sahel region, al-Qaeda affiliates such as Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and ISIS affiliates like the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) have caused severe destabilization in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These groups exploit weak governance, poverty, and local grievances to gain support and launch attacks, leaving millions displaced and vulnerable.

The challenge lies in the fact that jihadist groups do not recognize borders, and the lack of cohesive action between African nations has allowed these groups to find safe havens across multiple countries. To address the jihadist threat effectively, it is clear that a coordinated, unified approach is necessary. This would require a coalition that brings together African nations from different regions with a common interest in combating terrorism and promoting regional stability.

Creating a Coalition of African Nations

A coalition of African nations to combat Islamic jihadist groups would need to focus on several core principles: cooperation, intelligence sharing, joint military operations, and the implementation of legal frameworks that can hold individuals and entities accountable. Here’s how this coalition could be structured and how it can function effectively:

1. Regional Security Cooperation Establishing a coalition starts with regional security cooperation, which is not entirely new in Africa. The African Union (AU) has already set up peacekeeping forces, such as the African Standby Force (ASF) and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), to combat terrorism in places like the Lake Chad Basin. However, these forces have often been limited by a lack of resources, political will, and coordination. A more robust coalition could create a permanent security apparatus, with military assets and logistical support shared among member states. This would ensure a quick response to emerging threats and facilitate large-scale counterterrorism operations across borders.
2. Intelligence Sharing and Joint Operations A key component of a successful anti-jihadist coalition would be robust intelligence sharing. Terrorist groups frequently rely on cross-border movements to evade detection, making intelligence cooperation vital. African nations could establish a regional intelligence-sharing network, where data on jihadist activities, recruitment tactics, and weapon movements are shared in real time. Joint operations, supported by this intelligence network, would allow forces to target key jihadist leaders, disrupt financing, and destroy terrorist cells before they can strike.
3. Legal Ramifications and Accountability The formation of a coalition would be incomplete without a legal framework to ensure that individuals and entities involved in jihadist activities are held accountable. The legal structures put in place by this coalition could draw inspiration from regional organizations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, and the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) resolutions on counterterrorism. A Pan-African counterterrorism legal framework could include the following components:
   • Terrorism Laws: African nations could enact unified counterterrorism laws that define what constitutes terrorism, establish penalties for those found guilty of engaging in terrorist activities, and criminalize the financing of terrorism. These laws would need to align with international legal standards, such as the UN’s International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.
   • Prosecution of Foreign Fighters: The legal framework should address the issue of foreign fighters returning to Africa from conflict zones like Syria and Iraq. These individuals, often radicalized and trained in jihadist tactics, pose a significant threat. The coalition could implement regional mechanisms for the identification, tracking, and prosecution of foreign fighters, ensuring that those who return from conflict zones face legal consequences for their involvement in terrorism.
   • Holding State Sponsors Accountable: In addition to prosecuting individuals, the coalition must establish legal ramifications for states or entities that support jihadist groups, either directly or indirectly. This could include sanctions, embargoes, or diplomatic isolation for countries found to be sponsoring terrorism. This measure would be critical in combating jihadist insurgencies that receive funding, training, or safe haven from other states.
4. Human Rights and Counterterrorism While combatting terrorism is a critical goal, it is essential that the coalition’s efforts remain consistent with human rights principles. The application of the rule of law must be central to the coalition’s strategy to avoid the violation of the very values that African nations seek to protect. Anti-terrorism measures must ensure that citizens’ rights to a fair trial, freedom from arbitrary detention, and freedom of expression are upheld. A key component of the coalition’s legal framework should include oversight mechanisms to ensure that counterterrorism measures are being applied in a way that respects human rights.
5. Regional Support for Development and Stabilization Beyond military and legal actions, the coalition should also prioritize addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, marginalization, and weak governance. A key part of combating jihadist groups is to offer alternative pathways for the youth in vulnerable communities. Development initiatives should accompany counterterrorism efforts, with support for education, healthcare, job creation, and good governance in areas most affected by jihadist violence. This can reduce the appeal of extremist groups and help local communities rebuild.

The Role of the African Union and International Partnerships

The African Union (AU) could play a critical role in facilitating the creation of this coalition by providing a diplomatic platform for African nations to engage, coordinate, and align their strategies. The AU’s existing peace and security architecture, such as the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), can be leveraged to create the operational framework for the coalition.

In addition, international partnerships, particularly with the European Union, the United States, and the United Nations, would be vital in supporting the coalition’s efforts. These partnerships could provide critical financial assistance, technical expertise, and advanced intelligence-sharing capabilities, helping African nations to build stronger counterterrorism infrastructure.

Conclusion

The threat posed by Islamic jihadist groups in Africa is real, pervasive, and requires a comprehensive, coordinated approach. By establishing a Pan-African coalition that focuses on security cooperation, intelligence sharing, and the implementation of a robust legal framework, African nations can create a more unified front against the jihadist threat.

Such a coalition must prioritize not only military action but also legal accountability and human rights, ensuring that those who threaten Africa’s security and stability are held accountable. This coalition can set a global example of how regional cooperation, backed by strong legal frameworks, can combat terrorism while respecting the rights and dignity of citizens.