Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

 

On September 21, unidentified gunmen attacked the upmarket Westgate Mall in Nairobi, killing at least 72 people and injuring over 200. The Islamist group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the incident. Through social media, the group warned of "a long-lasting war, blood, destruction and evacuation." The bloody attack shocked people across the world.

Terrorism in Africa seems to be flourishing because of weakening states, poverty and corruption. Furthermore, institutional flaws have provided a societal setting favorable to extremism from terrorist groups.

Terrorism has profoundly impacted negatively on stability in Africa. It has remarkably discouraged foreign investment, trade and tourism at a time when Africa is gradually opening its borders to international commerce.

The Westgate attackers chose their target tactically. The mall is a popular spot for foreigners. The five-story complex, full of classy shops, is a perfect sign of not only Kenya's but also Africa's rapid economic growth.

Africa is becoming gradually well-known as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. In June, the IMF forecasted a moderate acceleration in economic growth to around 5.5 percent in 2013-14, reflecting a gradually strengthening global economy and strong domestic demand.

It argued that investment in export-oriented sectors remains the continent's core economic driver. 

The greater part of these investments comes from the East. China, in particular, has played a focal role in Africa's economic rejuvenation.

China has enhanced its investments and financial cooperation as it cements its presence in Africa. China's direct investment in Africa has increased from $1.44 billion to $2.52 billion, with an annual growth of 20.5 percent from 2009 to 2012.

Currently, over 2,000 Chinese enterprises have invested in over 50 African states, covering agriculture, mining, construction, industrial manufacturing, finance and real estate.

By the end of last year, Beijing had signed bilateral investment agreements with 32 African nations and established joint economic commission mechanisms with 45 African countries.

The attacks, however, endanger these advances by dissuading international investments and discouraging tourism, a key foreign exchange earner and employer.

The rise of terrorist groups means Africa cannot isolate itself from developments relating to the threat of terrorism. An effective counterterrorism plan must frustrate those who seek to harm the continent's social, political and economic fabric.

The past policies pursued by African nations have too often been counterproductive and self-defeating. Africa must engage other countries whose cooperation is essential to meet this threat.

Water-tight counterterrorism strategies should revolve around cooperation in policing and intelligence. It should not be ruled out that other terrorist groups may one day develop capabilities comparable to Al Qaeda's. Al Shabaab has shown the intent of carrying out devastating attacks using far more dangerous methods such as nuclear and biological weapons.

Africa is also in urgent need to update its apparatus so as to complement anti-terrorism work that currently heavily relies on the vulnerable ground-based equipment.

China has increased its contribution to peacekeeping efforts globally 20-fold since 2000, with the majority based in Africa. This year, Beijing sent more than 395 peacekeepers in Mali as part of the UN mission to help restore order there.  This momentum needs to be carried on.

The author is a journalist on African issues based in Nairobi, Kenya. mkapchanga@gmail.com