Lessons from Africa: 20 Years of UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Policy

In 2021, Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 48% of global terrorism deaths. The continent appears to be no closer to mitigating the threat that extremist groups pose, despite years of counter-terrorism (CT) operations and other measures, many of which are part of an effort to implement the various United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions related to terrorism. New and innovative approaches are needed that extend beyond those that have dominated the CT landscape in Africa over the past two decades and which have been heavily influenced by decisions taken by the UNSC in New York. This research brief analyzes UNSC efforts, unpacks the African Union's approach to these issues, and looks at how these efforts have impacted regional and national efforts on the ground before making recommendations on the way forward.