Terrorist groups in the Horn of Africa are targeting energy infrastructure more frequently, warn experts from the AU and UN.
The growing threat was the central topic of a regional counter-terrorism convention held in Addis Ababa last week. The meeting was organized by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre (AUCTC), and saw the attendance of security experts, government officials, and the representatives of regional and international organizations in eastern Africa.
It highlighted the growing vulnerability of major energy projects in the region, including oil and gas pipelines and cross-border power transmission networks.
Participants underscored that these projects are essential for regional integration and economic transformation, yet remain exposed to both direct terrorist attacks and indirect disruptions linked to instability and limited institutional capacity.
They noted that terrorist groups are increasingly targeting critical infrastructure, particularly energy assets, due to their strategic, economic, and symbolic value. Participants also shared national experiences and good practices in safeguarding energy infrastructure from terrorist threats.
Ethiopia’s delegation shared national experience in safeguarding security of energy infrastructure that is a national security priority and a shared regional responsibility.
Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with UNOCT, AUCTC, regional partners, and international stakeholders to combat terrorism, and the meeting concluded with a shared understanding that fragmented approaches are insufficient to counter complex and transnational terrorist threats.
Participants committed to forge sustained cooperation on risk assessment, early-warning systems, and intelligence-led cooperation, use of information and communication technologies, and capacity-building efforts.
