The Southern African region has never experienced terrorism of this scale in its post-colonial history. Any intervention must draw lessons from other African regions such as the Sahel, West Africa, North Africa and East Africa, where terrorism threatens lives daily. A weak and indecisive response could consolidate an Islamic State caliphate in Southern Africa, making external intervention essential. The regional body must carefully calibrate its response, as long-term security in Southern Africa depends on the success of collective action. Southern Africa team, Institute for Security Studies, Pretoria

Source: The North Africa Journal December 18, 2020 18:11 UTC