Combating Terrorism and Managing Asylum Seekers and Refugees under AU Law

Abstract This chapter focuses on the interrelation between terrorism in Africa and ongoing efforts of the African Union (AU) to protect vulnerable individuals such as asylum seekers and refugees from this phenomenon. Despite notable legislative efforts and strategic initiatives to prevent or curb the spreading of terrorism on the continent, not enough has been done. This chapter provides an analytical assessment of the legal and policy situation on the continent. Recommendations are then made on how to reduce the escalating terrorist activity and corresponding fatalities in Africa within an AU law framework. The need for urgent action is underlined by the fact that in the first nine months of 2019, African terrorist attacks resulted in 335 fatalities in the Mopti region (Mali), 240 fatalities in Ituri province (Democratic Republic of Congo), 150 fatalities in Borno State (Nigeria), 136 fatalities in Mogadishu (Somalia), and 128 fatalities in Khartoum (Sudan).