Weaponized Drones Terrorism in Africa: Al Qaeda, Al Shabaab, Boko Haram and ISIS

Drone capability for reconnaissance, surveillance and strikes with precision on enemies like Boko Haram, Al Shabaab and al Qaeda, continue to moderate regional and international debates on technological tools and the doctrinal developments in relation to lethal autonomous weapons systems and cyber warfare. Civil society organizations and human rights activists have a different narrative on the actual intentions and capabilities of governments and militaries, thus appealing on them to enact reforms on armed drones, mercenaries and mass surveillance.

Civilian casualties are usually inevitable during drone strikes, as violent non-state actors sometimes reside in densely populated areas to avoid strikes and to be quickly apprehended. However, it's evident that the synergy amongst African countries is yielding a positive impact, as counter-terrorism operations with drones has reduced Boko Haram, al Shabaab, and al Qaeda in African Maghreb operational capabilities, as well as eliminating leaders as Abubakar Shekau. So long as nations continually eliminate terrorist leaders and maintain an intelligence advantage, the threat of terrorism is combatable.