Concluding Reflections: The Future Trajectories for Terrorism and Counterterrorism in Africa

Africa is on the cusp of falling off a precipice. While the world’s attention is focused on the global COVID-19 pandemic, across the continent, various armed groups have embarked on campaigns of terror for various nefarious reasons. This chapter seeks to crystal ball the possible future of the continent, by briefly examining some factors that have emboldened these terrorist groups. The expected population expansion of the continent, which when combined with lower economic productivity across various African states, has established a perfect breeding ground wherein terror groups can spread their web of hatefilled influence. It also examines the response by both international and regional bodies to the threat and how this conflict might play out in the short to medium term. Africa is home to half the United Nation Peacekeeping / Peacebuilding efforts but has little to show for all this effort in terms of resources spent. How might the future for many of these missions look like considering the effects of the pandemic on the global economy? One possible change is an increased presence of women in these missions. If current trends are maintained, it is plausible that the influence of women will be steadily increased in the future, due to the benefits such personnel bring to the missions. While no future is set in stone, this chapter aims to provide some clues to what to expect in the near future might mean to Africa and her young population.