UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL AND TERRORISM FINANCING IN AFRICA
Humpherey John Mboli
Volume 13 Issue 2
Abstract
This study examines the role of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in addressing terrorism financing in Africa, employing the liberal institutionalism theory to explain how international organizations shape state behavior through norms, sanctions, and cooperative frameworks. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, relying on content analysis of UNSC resolutions, reports of monitoring bodies, and policy documents related to counter-terrorism financing in Africa. The study finds three key issues. First, while UNSC resolutions particularly those mandating financial sanctions and anti-money laundering frameworks have strengthened legal and institutional responses across African states, implementation remains uneven due to weak domestic capacity. Second, the persistence of informal economies and porous borders in many African countries undermines the effectiveness of UNSC-led financial controls, enabling terrorist groups to exploit alternative funding channels. Third, limited coordination between international directives and local enforcement agencies reduces the overall impact of counter-terrorism financing measures. The study concludes that although the UNSC provides a critical global framework for combating terrorism financing, its effectiveness in Africa is constrained by structural and institutional challenges at the state level. It recommends that African governments strengthen financial intelligence units and regulatory institutions, while the UNSC should enhance technical support and capacity-building initiatives tailored to African contexts. Additionally, improved regional cooperation among African states and alignment between global directives and local realities are necessary to close enforcement gaps and ensure more effective disruption of terrorism financing networks. Keywords: Terrorism, Financing, UNSC, Africa
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