10 Deadliest Terrorist Groups in Africa

Terrorist groups have been around for a long time and they often disrupt the peace and unity of countries. These groups usually get their money from illegal activities such as smuggling and kidnapping for ransom.

Sometimes, they also receive financial support from international extremist organizations like ISIS and al-Qaeda. This funding helps them continue their activities and spread instability in various parts of Africa.

Here's a look at the 10 most dangerous groups in Africa.

1. Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) 

ISWAP broke away from Boko Haram in 2016 after disagreements over leadership and tactics. Active mainly in Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, they attack military bases and civilians. ISWAP reportedly receives support from the Islamic State group (ISIS) to fund operations and provide training.

2. Boko Haram 

Boko Haram started in Nigeria in 2002 as a movement against Western education and culture. They began violent attacks around 2009, aiming to establish strict Islamic law. The group receives funding from criminal activities like kidnapping and possibly some overseas sympathisers.

3. Al-Shabaab

Formed in Somalia in the mid-2000s, al-Shabaab seeks to impose strict Islamic law in Somalia and has spread into Kenya. They began as part of a larger Islamist movement but later formed their own group. Al-Shabaab reportedly receives funding from illegal trade, piracy, and foreign sponsors from some extremist networks.

4. Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM)

JNIM is an al-Qaeda-linked group in the Sahel, especially active in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Established in 2017, it brings together several smaller groups that aim to resist Western influence. JNIM receives support from al-Qaeda affiliates and through trafficking and kidnapping for ransom.

5. Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) 

ISGS, formed around 2015, operates in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. They split from JNIM and aligned with ISIS, carrying out deadly ambushes and attacks on both military and civilians. They are believed to be funded by ISIS and local criminal networks.

6. Ansar al-Sunna (ASWJ)

Active in northern Mozambique, ASWJ emerged in 2017. They aim to establish an Islamic state and gain control of resources in the Cabo Delgado province. Some reports suggest ASWJ receives support from ISIS and is funded through smuggling and local illegal activities.

7. Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)

Originally from Uganda, the ADF moved to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1990s. Known for violent attacks on civilians, they want to overthrow the Ugandan government. They are believed to receive funds from criminal activities like gold mining and possibly some support from ISIS.

8. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)

AQIM began as an Islamist insurgency in Algeria in the 1990s, later joining al-Qaeda. They operate across North Africa and the Sahel, focusing on kidnappings and attacks. AQIM is funded by al-Qaeda networks and through kidnappings for ransom.

9. Ansar Dine

Based in Mali, Ansar Dine formed in 2012 and quickly joined with other extremist groups to control northern Mali. They enforce strict Sharia law. Ansar Dine receives funds from criminal activities, including smuggling, and support from al-Qaeda.

10. Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO)

MUJAO was established in 2011 as a splinter group from AQIM, focusing on West Africa. They target government and military forces in Mali and engage in kidnappings. Their funding comes from ransoms and, at times, assistance from other extremist networks.