Financing Terrorist Organizations in Somalia

 The Africa Center for Strategic Studies published on 6 August 2026 an analysis titled "Countering Terrorism Financing in East Africa" by Daisy Muibu and Nicole Mazurova.

Al-Shabaab in Somalia has established a sophisticated revenue-generation capacity that includes criminal activities, illicit trade, smuggling, and money laundering.  Al-Shahaab obtains annual revenue of up to $200 million annually.  The Islamic State in Somalia generates between $100,000 and $360,000 monthly through extortion and illicit taxation.  

Defeating these terrorist organizations will require degrading their revenue generation capacities through strengthened national and regional coordination.  

The Decline of France in Africa's Sahel and Rise of China

 The Foreign Policy Research Institute published on 29 July 2026 an article titled "How France's Fall Signals China's Rise in the Sahel" by Raghvendra Kumar.

China has seized on the decline of French and Western influence in Africa's Sahel to embed itself into the region's political, economic, and security structures.  The article pays particular attention to China's role in Burkina Faso.  

Five Imprisoned Ethiopian Journalists Refuse to Apologize

 The Committee to Protect Journalists posted on 13 August 2026 a press release titled "In Ethiopia, 5 Journalists Pressured to Apologize for Terrorism to Win Release."

Five Ethiopian journalists have been detained on terrorism charges for three years awaiting trial.  They have refused to write letters of apology and admit guilt in exchange for their freedom.  

US Africa Command Competes with Russia, China, and Terrorist Groups for Influence

 The Washington Examiner published on 20 May 2026 an article titled "US Competing with Russia, China, and Terror Groups for Influence across Africa" by Mike Brest.

Commander of US Africa Command General Dagvin Anderson told the House Armed Services Committee on 19 May that the United States is competing with Russia, China, and terror groups across Africa.  This is being done with a 75 percent reduction in the US regional posture over the past decade, a situation which is compounded by additional drawdowns by our allies.

Africa and Global Terrorism Index 2026

 The Institute for Economics and Peace posted on 30 March 2026 its "Global Terrorism Index 2026."

Of the ten countries most impacted by terrorism globally in 2025, six were in Africa: Burkina Faso (2), Niger (3), Nigeria (4), Mali (5), Somalia (7) and Democratic Republic of Congo (8).  Nevertheless, deaths in sub-Saharan Africa fell in ten countries while rising in just four.  Deaths in the Sahel region, however, accounted for more than half of all terrorism-related deaths globally.

Terrorism remains highly concentrated.  Just under 70 percent of deaths from terrorism occurred in only five countries: Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, and the DRC.  Nigeria recorded the largest increase in 2025, with fatalities rising by 46 percent to 750.  Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram were responsible for 80 percent of all terrorism deaths in Nigeria.

The DRC also reported a significant increase in terrorism, reaching its worst ever position on the index.  Deaths in the DRC rose by nearly 28 percent to 467, driven by attacks carried out by the IS-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces, which targeted civilians, churches, hospitals, and funerals.

Somalia's al-Shabaab, while experiencing a decline in terrorist deaths for the third consecutive year, launched its Shabelle Offensive in early 2025.  

Tracking the Islamic State in Somalia

 The BBC posted on 15 March 2026 an article titled "'We Will Go Wherever They Hide': Rooting Out IS in Somalia" by Sahnun Ahmed and Scarlett Barter.

In 2025, there were an estimated 800 Islamic State fighters in the Puntland region of Somalia, more than half of them foreigners.  The Puntland Defense Forces and American drones are committed to tracking them down.  

China in Al-Qaeda's Crosshairs

 War on the Rocks published on 18 February 2026 an analysis titled "China Now Finds Itself in Al-Qaeda's Crosshairs" by Colin Clarke and Lucas Webber, both with the Soufan Center.

Al-Qaeda-affiliated organizations in the Arabian Gulf and Africa are now including China as part of its enemy hierarchy due in large part to Beijing's treatment of the Muslim Uyghur population in Xinjiang Province.  

Illegal Chinese Mining in Nigeria Results in Dustup with US

 China-Africa Security Radar published on 16 February 2026 an analysis titled "Beijing Rejects U.S. Allegations of Financing Terror in Nigeria's Illegal Mining Sector--The Reality Is More Complex."

Prominent Republican members of the US Congress have sponsored a bill that alleges Chinese individuals and companies involved in illegal mining pay "protection money" to Fulani militias and other armed groups to secure access to lithium and gold deposits.  The bill links these militias to terrorist violence that has impacted Nigerian Christian communities.

The Chinese embassy in Abuja issued a strongly worded statement refuting allegations that Chinese nationals are funding militant groups to gain access to minerals in Nigeria's Middle Belt and northwestern region.  

China-Africa Security Radar concludes that it is generally agreed there is illegal Chinese mining in Nigeria, but the culprits are pragmatically paying "rent" to armed groups to access the minerals.

Al-Shabaab Attack on Chinese Workers' Camp in Kenya

 The Eastleigh Voice published on 16 December 2025 an article titled "Police Repel Al-Shabaab Raid on Chinese Workers' Camp in Mandera" by Mary Wambui.

Police in Mandera, Kenya, repelled an al-Shabaab attack from neighboring Somalia on a Chinese contractor's residence.  Al-Shabaab damaged some equipment but did not injure any Chinese nationals.  

Chinese Companies Face Insurgencies in Africa's Sahel

 The Diplomat published on 20 November 2025 an article titled "China's Sahel Gamble Falters as Insurgencies Rage" by Robert Bociaga.

Chinese companies in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have become targets of global terrorism putting at risk China's investment in the Sahel region.  

Thriving Chinatown in Bamako, Mali

 The Washington Post published on 20 November 2025 an article titled "Inside a Thriving Chinatown Neighborhood in the Heart of West Africa" by Rachel Chason.  

This is the story of transforming a section of Bamako, Mali into a Chinese neighborhood and the hopes and fears of the Chinese migrants.  

Russia Tries to Improve Security in Africa's Sahel Region

 Al-Estiklal published on 29 August 2025 an article titled "Sahel States and Russia Establish Strategic Partnership: Messages and Objectives."

In mid-August, Russia invited the defense ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to Moscow to discuss strengthening security ties.  Russia reportedly is prepared to provide comprehensive support to these countries as they battle terrorist threats and armed groups.  The meeting also signaled the transfer of security support from Russia's Wagner Group to its Africa Corps replacement. 

Analysis and Recommendations for a Post-Conflict Somalia

 The Heritage Institute for Policy Studies published in June 2025 a document titled "Somalia's Post-Conflict Experience: Political Rifts, Security Challenges, and Social Crises."

It contains 6 conference papers by different authors from the December 2022 Annual Forum for Ideas held in Djibouti and hosted by the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies. The first section examines governance crises, security threats, political divisions and three key types of conflict that continue to shape the political and social realities of post-civil war Somalia.  The second section presents viable solutions aimed at fostering reconciliation and social cohesion.

A key lesson to be drawn from this analysis is that the interplay between governance disputes, militant insurgencies, and social intolerance among the people demonstrates the complexity of Somalia's challenges.  

Trump Travel Restrictions on African Countries Have Little to Do with Terrorism

 The White House published on 4 June 2025 a fact sheet titled "President Donald J. Trump Restricts the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats."

The proclamation fully restricts and limits the entry of nationals from twelve countries found to be deficient with regards to screening and vetting and determined to pose a very high risk to the United States: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

The proclamation partially restricts and limits the entry of nationals from seven countries who also pose a high level of risk to the United States: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

Comment:  Seven of the twelve fully restricted countries and three of the seven partially restricted countries are in Africa.    

Four of the fully restricted countries--Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Eritrea--were included because nationals from those countries have a history of disproportionally overstaying their visas after coming to the United States.  Three of them--Libya, Somalia, and Sudan--were included because the governments have no competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports.

All three of the partially restricted countries--Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo--have a history of disproportionally overstaying their visas after arriving in the United States.

Clearly, this proclamation, at least in the case of the African countries, has little to do with combatting terrorism and a lot to do with keeping people out of the United States from certain countries for other reasons.  

  

Russia-Africa Relations

 The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) posted on 14 May 2025 a one hour televised interview titled "Why Is Russia Deepening Its Engagement with Africa?" with Steven Gruzd, SAIIA.

Following intense engagement by the Soviet Union in Africa during the Cold War, Russian interest dropped dramatically in the 1990s and and only began to return in the 21st century under the rule of Vladimir Putin.  The Wagner Group is an example of the new interest.  Russia still has a small trade and economic footprint in Africa and provides very little foreign aid.  Egypt is its most important partner.  It has developed partnerships in the nuclear power field and and remains an important source of arms for Africa.  The African countries have very little contact with the former Soviet republics.   

Secretary Rubio Shuts Down State Department Office on Foreign Disinformation

 The New York Times published on 16 April 2025 an article titled "Trump Aides Close State Dept. Office on Foreign Disinformation" by Edward Wong.  

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has shut down the office that tracks and counters disinformation from foreign actors.  He put all 40 employees in the office on paid leave after firing about 80 contractors last month.  The office focused on disinformation from Russia, China, Iran, and terrorist groups.  He reportedly took this action after complaints that the office allegedly censored conservative ideas.  

US Airstrikes Weaken but Do Not Break Houthis in Yemen

 The Wall Street Journal published on 27 March 2025 an article titled "Houthis Weakened but Not Broken by First Round of Trump Strikes" by Saleh al-Batati, Carrie Keller-Lynn, and Sudarsan Raghavan.  

The Trump administration's airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen have not yet achieved the US goal of deterring the US-designated terrorist group.  Since the US airstrikes began on 15 March, the Houthis have launched missiles and drones at the USS Harry S. Truman, an aircraft carrier stationed in the Red Sea.  Houthi missile launches are down but the Houthis have demonstrated in the past an ability to adapt to new challenges.  

Russia's Wagner Group Mercenaries Conduct Terror Campaign in Mali

 The Washington Post published on 11 March 2025 an article titled "Russia's Wagner Mercenaries Are Leading a Campaign of Terror in Mali" by Rachel Chason and Sarah Cahlan.  

An estimated 1,500 Wagner Group mercenaries are fighting alongside Malian forces to defeat an al-Qaeda-affiliated organization.  In the process, the Wagner Group mercenaries are engaging in draconian practices that are driving ordinary Malians to neighboring Mauritania.  Malian refugees who have arrived in Mauritania since 2023 said it was attacks by Mali's military and its Russian allies--not Islamist militants--that made them flee.

The Malian government pays about $10 million a month for Wagner's services.  Russia has also been awarded concessions at several gold mines, giving it a material stake in Mali's security.  

US Designates Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

 The US Department of State posted on 4 March 2025 a press statement titled "Designation of Ansarallah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization."

The United States designated Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis (Ansarallah) as a foreign terrorist organization, noting that their activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the safety of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade.

The State Department also announced a reward of up to $15 million and possible re-location for information leading to the disruption of financial mechanisms of Ansarallah.

The Associated Press published on 4 March 2025 an article titled "Trump Administration again Labels the Houthis a 'Foreign Terrorist Organization'" by Matthew Lee.

This article adds context to the State Department announcement.  

The Islamic State Regroups in Somalia

 The Washington Post posted on 11 February 2025 (front page of the 12 February paper edition) an article titled "The Islamic State Has Regrouped in Somalia -- And It Has Global Ambitions" by Katharine Houreld.  

The Islamic State's Somali branch has become its new operational and financial hub with estimates of as many as 1,000 militants under its command.  In 2015, the Islamic State broke from the better-known Al-Shabaab terrorist group in Somalia and its aspirations are larger.  Islamic State militants come from a variety of countries and the Somali branch provides funding for like-minded groups throughout the region. Its base of operations is the Puntland region of Somalia.