Challenges of Combating Terrorism in West Africa

Abstract

In recent times, terrorist activities have infiltrated all regions on the continent, including the West African sub-region. All efforts to tame their advances seem unfruitful. Using purposive sampling technique, some academic journals, books, newspapers and internet materials were explored. Those materials revealed that many nation-states affected in the sub-region responded militarily and expended more on military hard wares, personnel and other equipment but to no avail. Analyzing the content of the qualitative data mentioned, the notable obstacles include corruption, poor boundary demarcations and surveillance, political instability, inter-military rivalry and conflict, etc. The study concluded that unless and until states in the sub-region dismantle such barriers and face their common enemy together, national and international economic growth and relations will remain a mirage. It is recommended that all states cooperate, boost the morale and information sourcing of the military, obtain and deploy modern technological equipment, and synchronize their personnel, among others, as a panacea for halting terrorism.