Outside Sources of Terrorist Threats in West Africa

Kohnert, Dirk

doi:10.2139/ssrn.4272976

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…One possible solution to this dilemma would be to move away from resource nationalism to a continental approach (Baskaran & Ordu, 2023). Yet, historical examples, like the failed indigenisation policy of Nigeria and other SSA governments in the 1970s and 1980s, including export bans to support domestic economic development goals and beneficiation, as well as the meagre results of decades of African economic regionalization policies, showed that such visions, for nationalist selfish policies, are rather pious wishes (Kohnert, 2023).…”

Section: Graph 4: Production and Processing Of Critical Minerals 2019mentioning

confidence: 99%

Prospects and challenges for the export of rare earths from Sub-Saharan Africa to the EU

Kohnert

2024

IJAFRS

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The African continent is increasingly becoming a battleground in the race between superpowers for access to critical minerals needed for the 'Green Revolution', such as rare earth minerals (REE). Companies from China, the USA and Russia play a major role. In most cases, critical minerals are mined by international mining companies supported by their governments and organizing complex global value chains. So far, China has dominated supply chains and has secured mining contracts across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Currently, China produces 58% of all REEs worldwide. It is the main importer of minerals from Africa, with mineral exports from sub-Saharan Africa to China totalling USD 10 bn in 2019. Its dominance of the global rare earths market is rooted in politics, not geography. Rare earths are neither that rare nor that concentrated in China. Beijing has adopted a strategy of imports, dumping and control of rare earths that is hardly consistent with WTO rules. Therefore, in June 2022, a newly founded 'Minerals Security Partnership', consisting of the USA, the EU, Great Britain and other Western industrialized countries, invited mineral-rich African countries to counter Chinese dominance. These included resource-rich countries such as South Africa,

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Section: Graph 4: Production and Processing Of Critical Minerals 2019mentioning

confidence: 99%

Prospects and challenges for the export of rare earths from Sub-Saharan Africa to the EU

Kohnert

2024

IJAFRS

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“…The strategic role of private military companies as instruments of foreign policy has gained prominence in recent years, with the Wagner Group being a notable example [28].extensively investigates the Wagner Group's status as a de facto foreign policy instrument employed by Russia, particularly in Africa. Neethling emphasizes the Wagner Group's unique position as a proxy institution of the Russian state, acting as a quasi-state actor with a global footprint.…”

Section: Unveiling Dynamics Of Contemporary Security Interventions An...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Navigating Complexities: African Union's Peace and Security Strategy Challenges after Niger and Gabon Coups

Elamin

2023

ijmst

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This study examines the intricate challenges that the African Union (AU) confronts in its pursuit of effective peace and security strategies following recent coup incidents in Niger and the ongoing situation in Gabon. The research analyzes the complex dynamics surrounding coup attempts, exploring their ramifications for regional stability, rising political intolerance, internally displaced populations, intricate government structures, enduring colonial legacies, and the emergence of global threats. Employing content analysis, the research draws from a diverse range of sources, including published and unpublished materials and references to news outlets. The study also compares coup scenarios in Niger and Gabon with similar instances globally to shed light on the multi-dimensional challenges that the AU faces. This research highlights historical factors, such as colonialism, that underpin coup occurrences and broader governance issues. It underscores the connection between persistent insecurity, hindered economic growth, exclusionary economic governance, and low development indicators, all contributing to an elevated risk of coup occurrences across Africa. The primary goal of this study is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the AU's evolving peace and security landscape and to offer recommendations aimed at bolstering its strategies for achieving lasting peace and security.

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“…From January 2021, attacks by groups affiliated with the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda were noted across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, with a recorded number of 15 deaths per attack in Niger. In the first half of 2022, violent attacks skyrocketed in the tri-border region, and these countries witnessed the highest death toll in the last decade(Kohnert, 2022). D'Amato and Baldaro (2022) acceded to this claim by stating that the first half of 2022 witnessed a dramatic surge in an already volatile area known for severe armed conflict and jihadist insurrections.…”

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confidence: 99%

Domesticating the Global War on Terrorism in West Africa: Implications for Sub-Regional Security

Newo,

Chidozie,

Osimen

et al. 2024

RGSA

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Objective: The objective of this study is to the recent incidences of terror attacks in the West African sub-region that have only overwhelmed national governments concerned. Using the case studies of Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, and Niger, the paper interrogates the recent scourge of terrorism in these countries within the context of sub-regional security. Theoretical Framework: The structural conflict theory, which argues that conflict is built into the systems and structures of society, is employed in the work. This is based on the radical transformative agenda promoted by globalization and accentuated by the violent intra-state conflicts in Africa, especially following the restructuring of the international security architecture after the end of the Cold War in 1989. Method: The methodology adopted for this research utilizes the qualitative research design using the case study approach. Secondary data is engaged for this study, alongside thematic analysis for the harmonization of data. Results and Discussion: The study discovered that the activities of domestic terror groups is hinged on the unresolved rhetoric of globalization. The study concludes that until there are institutional measures to strengthen the fragile politico-economic structures hurriedly erected after prolonged dictatorships in the countries concerned, the solution to the threat of terrorism will remain a tantalizing mirage. It canvasses for the creation of a civil-military alliance in the war on terror, and the strengthening of democratic institutions to bring about good governance which will make states better equipped to curb terrorism. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the fields of national security, strategic studies and even institutional democracy. These implications could encompass the protection of lives and property within the state, protection of the state’s territorial integrity and the consolidation of democracy by state governments. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the fragilitiy of democracy in West African states as a consequence of prolonged terrorist attacks that are yet to be adequately catered to by civilian governments. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by it practical applicability across the fields of policy and strategic studies, and political science.

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Outside Sources of Terrorist Threats in West Africa

Cited by 4 publications

References 13 publications

Prospects and challenges for the export of rare earths from Sub-Saharan Africa to the EU

Prospects and challenges for the export of rare earths from Sub-Saharan Africa to the EU

Navigating Complexities: African Union's Peace and Security Strategy Challenges after Niger and Gabon Coups

Domesticating the Global War on Terrorism in West Africa: Implications for Sub-Regional Security

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