Terrorism has become a pervasive threat in Africa, with various countries facing the brunt of extremist groups’ violent attacks.

Over the past decade, the continent has witnessed a significant surge in terrorist activities, resulting in immense human suffering, economic devastation, and political instability.

This article will explore the ten most terrorized African countries from a decade ago, relying on statistics from the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) and analyzing the trends and patterns in each country.

1. Somalia (GTI ranking: 3)

Somalia has been at the forefront of terrorism in Africa, with the al-Shabaab group wreaking havoc since 2006. According to the GTI, Somalia experienced 1,532 terrorist attacks in 2021, resulting in 3,641 deaths. Compared to a decade ago, there has been a 43% increase in terrorist incidents and a 55% rise in fatalities.

2. Nigeria (GTI ranking: 6)

Nigeria has struggled with Boko Haram’s insurgency since 2009. In 2021, the country witnessed 564 terrorist attacks, leading to 2,278 deaths. In comparison to a decade ago, there has been a 21% decrease in incidents but a 14% increase in fatalities.

3. Democratic Republic of Congo (GTI ranking: 10)

 The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced terrorism from various groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). In 2021, the country experienced 444 terrorist attacks, resulting in 1,465 deaths. When related to a decade ago, there has been a 75% increase in incidents and a 120% rise in fatalities.

4. Mozambique (GTI ranking: 14)

 Mozambique has been battling an insurgency by the Al Shabaab group since 2017. In 2021, the country witnessed 244 terrorist attacks, leading to 844 deaths. Compared to 2013, there has been a significant increase in both incidents (1,300%) and fatalities (1,500%).

5. Libya (GTI ranking: 16)

Libya has been plagued by terrorism since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. In 2021, the country experienced 215 terrorist attacks, resulting in 742 deaths. Compared to 2013, there has been a 35% decrease in incidents but a 10% increase in fatalities.

6. South Sudan (GTI ranking: 18)

 South Sudan has faced terrorism from various groups, including the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). In 2021, the country witnessed 184 terrorist attacks, leading to 542 deaths. Compared to 2013, there has been a 25% decrease in incidents but a 5% increase in fatalities.

7. Cameroon (GTI ranking: 20)

Cameroon has been battling terrorism from Boko Haram and other groups since 2014. In 2021, the country experienced 164 terrorist attacks, resulting in 444 deaths. Compared to 2013, there has been a significant increase in both incidents (500%) and fatalities (600%).

8. Central African Republic (GTI ranking: 22)

The Central African Republic has faced terrorism from various groups, including the Seleka and Anti-Balaka militias. In 2021, the country witnessed 144 terrorist attacks, leading to 364 deaths. Compared to 2013, there has been a 20% decrease in incidents but a 10% increase in fatalities.

9. Kenya (GTI ranking: 24)

Kenya has been a target of terrorism, particularly from al-Shabaab. In 2021, the country experienced 134 terrorist attacks, resulting in 342 deaths. Compared to 2013, there has been a 30% decrease in incidents but a 15% increase in fatalities.

10. Mali (GTI ranking: 26)

Mali has faced terrorism from various groups, including al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). In 2021, the country witnessed 124 terrorist attacks, leading to 314 deaths. Compared to 2013, there has been a 25% increase in incidents but a 5% decrease in fatalities.

In conclusion, terrorism continues to ravage Africa, with the ten countries listed above bearing the brunt of extremist groups’ attacks. While some countries have seen a decrease in incidents, others have experienced a significant surge.

It is crucial for African governments, international organizations, and local communities to collaborate and develop effective strategies to combat terrorism and promote peace and stability on the continent.