Terrorism and its Determinants in the Sub‐Saharan Africa Region: Some New Insights

Abstract

Terrorism is undesirable as it adversely affects the economic development of countries. This study explores the determinants of terrorism in 29 countries of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The data is extracted from reliable sources spanning over 2005 to 2016. Econometric techniques relevant for panel data that control for unobserved heterogeneity (fixed effects) and endogeneity (generalized method of moment) are employed to estimate the specified models. The results indicated that low growth in per capita incomes along with political instability are the main driving forces responsible for terrorism. Similarly, military expenditures are influencing terrorism positively whereas corruption has impacted terrorism negatively in the SSA region. Further, the growth of both physical as well as human capital reduces terrorism. The paper suggests that the region should take appropriate steps for increasing income of the population, education and capital stock, along with ensuring political stability to eradicate terrorism from the region.

The impact of terrorism on public debt in African countries

“…Abel and Ugwu (2015) showed that conflict had a significant negative effect on FDIs; and that infrastructural development significantly moderated the impact of conflicts. In addition, Tahir, Afzal, Afridi, Naseem, and Bin Saeed (2019) indicated that low GDP and political instability are the main driving forces responsible for terrorism. Similarly, military expenditures are influencing terrorism positively whereas corruption has impacted terrorism negatively in the sub‐Saharan Africa region.…”

The impact of terrorism on agriculture in African countries

“…The upsurge in terrorist attacks around the world, and particularly in Africa, have led policy makers and researchers to examine both the causes and the socioeconomic and political consequences of terrorism/conflicts. When looking at the causes of terrorism, the literature on terrorism shows that this proliferation of terrorist groups is linked particularly to the high level of corruption, the failure of governments, the abundance of natural resources, ethnic and tribal tensions, religious fundamentalism and political instability (Alfa‐Wali et al, 2015; Anyanwu, 2014; Asongu et al, 2019; Fazel, 2013; Tahir et al, 2019). Regarding the socioeconomic and political consequences of terrorism, it has been empirically demonstrated in the literature that terrorism has an adverse effect on foreign direct investment (Ezeoha & Ugwu, 2015), governance (Asongu & Nwachukwu, 2017), public debt (Abid & Sekrafi, 2020), trade (Nitsch & Schumacher, 2004), water access (Gleick, 2006) and more importantly economic growth (Abadie & Gardeazabal, 2003; Choi, 2015; Yapatake Kossele & Shan, 2018; Younas, 2015).…”

Terrorist Attacks in Sub-Saharan Africa from 1970 through 2020: Analysis and Impact from a Counter-Terrorism Medicine Perspective

“…The primary weapon types were firearms (45%), followed by explosives (31%), unknown (14%), incendiary devices (6%), and all others (4%). Nigeria has the largest burden of terrorism both in number of attacks (4,899) as well as in numbers killed (25,365) and wounded (11,061).…”

“…Within this diversity, terrorist organizations have found fertile ground due to their ability to exploit unstable political environments, domestic and transnational insecurity, poor income growth, and religious extremism. [10][11][12] Regions such as the Sahel and Central Africa have seen an increase in terrorist activity due to regional power vacuums, and mistrust in governments has fueled activity in places such as Tanzania and Mozambique. 13 In addition, many people in SSA live in remote rural areas or are nomadic and lack access to adequate baseline health care.…”