Responses to regional terrorism in Eastern Africa : a case study of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Uganda, 1991-2001

Abstract

This study is on Regional Terrorism in Eastern Africa (East Africa and the Horn of Africa) It analyses the philosophical, political and religious roots of terrorist activities in the region and discusses the regional effects of the terrorist acts.

The study also dwells on the regional authorities' responses to terrorism, these include; legal security, and diplomatic mechanisms put in place to eradicate acts of terror.

The study further evaluates the effectiveness of the regional responses and attempts to identify gaps and inadequacies that need to be addressed.

It also looks at the various challenges that authorities in the region have to grapple with and find a lasting solution.

Using a case study of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Uganda. it examines the phenomenon of Islamic fundamentalism. The ADF waged a brutal and futile war against the government of Uganda 1991 -2001 with the aim of establishing a political system based on Islamic / Sharia Law.

In a nutshell, the study shows that the key to terrorism is to formulate policies that reflect an integrated and holistic approach to state and regional security, both in terms of the nature of specific tools and programs as well as within the wider societal contexts in which they emerge.

The goal should be one of sustained regional resilience that is effective against terror activity.