ABSTRACT
This chapter endeavours to examine the significance of good governance in reducing terrorist attacks in Africa with specific reference to the activities of Boko Haram and al-Shabaab in Nigeria, Kenya and Somalia. In light of the effects of terrorism, especially in East Africa, North Africa and West Africa, it argues that good governance is important in reducing and thwarting acts of terror and their effects and to promote human security. The Global Terrorism Index of 2018 revealed that four terrorist groups responsible for the most deaths in 2017 were the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the Taliban, al-Shabaab and Boko Haram. Weizhong et al. highlighted that Africa’s armed conflicts and the growth and spread of terrorism can be linked to lagging development, wealth inequality, intricate tribal and religious conflicts, and weak governance capacity of the governments. Political instability rendered Somalia vulnerable to terrorism and an escalation of the already existing violent conflict.
