Terrorism and Ethics in Counterterrorism in Africa

Abstract

The terrorism canker is not a recent phenomenon in the international world, although it has gained much popularity after the events of 11th September, 200l. For many years, acts of terrorism in diverse forms have killed and endangered the lives of many people, jeopardizing fundamental freedoms and seriously impairing the dignity of human beings. Terrorist acts are unconventional in nature and this makes it very challenging for states to devise legitimate and effective means of responding to terrorist attacks. The study examines the problem of countering terrorism and in such a manner that the aims of terrorists are not promoted and anti-terror laws are not used as a façade to pursue idiosyncratic conflicts, ethnocentrism and administer political abuses. The work inquires how counterterrorism can be pursued and at the same time human rights safeguarded in Africa. The study employs a qualitative method in the gathering of data. Information was obtained from books, journal articles and internet sources. Findings of the study elucidate the violation of human rights by Kenya, Egypt and Nigeria in their counterterrorism measures. The measures critiqued included their counterterrorism laws, anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism strategies, and the actual measures adopted on the ground in countering terrorism. Various Human rights instruments were used to juxtapose the counterterrorism measures adopted by the various countries to ascertain the extent to which their measures respect or violate Human Rights. Some recommendations suggested are that the African Union should create an oversight Commission that will review counterterrorism laws adopted by states and ensure that they comply with human rights regulations. Also, an African Court of Appeal should be adopted for victims of counterterrorism-human right abuses to seek reparation for the violation of their rights.