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The European Union, the fight against terrorism and its impact on democracy building in Africa
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The European Union, the fight against terrorism and its impact on democracy building in Africa

S. Makinda
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
2009
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Abstract

Despite their differing approaches to counterterrorism, virtually all African states endorsed the adoption of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism (the Algiers Convention) in July 1999. The Algiers Convention was the first continental legislative instrument to provide a definition of terrorism. Thus, Africa had a common approach to counterterrorism at least two years before the events of 11 September 2001 and the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1373. The EU has the capacity to pursue counterterrorism effectively while enhancing development and social justice, and building democracy in Africa. This paper examines the nature of the EU’s counterterrorism policies and strategies. It discusses the implementation of these policies with a focus on how their implementation has affected democracy building processes in Africa. It explores attitudes in Africa to global, including EU, counterterrorism strategies, and provides options for the EU in combating terrorism in Africa effectively while at the same time enhancing human rights and building democracy there. On the basis of the analysis, it concludes that many people in Africa believe the best way to tackle terrorism on the continent is to alleviate poverty, eliminate social injustice and assist with building democracy.

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