South Africa's security concerns in Mozambique and the growing threat of domestic terrorism

While the conflict in the northern parts of Mozambique may seem far removed from South Africa, the growing terrorist presence in the Southern African region has become a concern to Pretoria. South Africa’s domestic response to terrorism in the region and links between Ansar al-Sunna and South Africa are explored. Prosecutions in South Africa, such as that of the Thulsie twins – accused of attempting to travel to Mozambique to join Ansar al-Sunna – including law enforcement operations uncovering suspected Islamic State links in several different provinces, point to an increase in the country’s dealings with and security concerns arising from terrorism and terrorist organisations. There is growing concern that Islamic State cells are already present in the country. This chapter explores the growing threat of terrorism in South Africa and the consequences this could have for regional stability and for the situation in Mozambique.