Burning the Broth: Why African Counter-Terrorist Operations Frequently Fail

Abstract

This chapter will examine the causes and consequences of insurgencies, as well as why counter-terrorist operations are frequently prone to failure. It will discuss the impact of the African Operating Environment (OE) and how it, in turn, impacts on the Area of Operations (AO). As there is no template on how to successfully counter an insurgency, or those that apply terror tactics, it will briefly discuss the impact of doctrine, training, and leadership. A loss of control over the informational environment, a lack of or faulty intelligence, the inability to formulate valid predictions along with flawed campaign strategies, and the impact of human rights abuses by the security forces have incentivised insurgents and added momentum to their counter-government operations. Defensive or reactive government operations give insurgents and terror groups the initiative and add value to their influence and recruitment campaigns. To succeed, government forces need to reassess how they are organised, trained, and equipped to counter insurgents, especially those that practise terrorism. These forces also need to be supported with decisive political will. The article will draw on the author’s personal experiences across Africa.