Tanzania has become vulnerable to extremist activities

The Islamic State (IS) has increasingly extended its influence into East Africa, with Tanzania experiencing notable security challenges linked to this expansion. Tanzania's geographical proximity to conflict zones in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has heightened its vulnerability to extremist activities.

Geographical Context and Threat Exposure

Tanzania shares borders with regions experiencing significant terrorist activities. To the south, Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province has been a hotspot for insurgent actions by groups affiliated with IS, particularly the Islamic State's Central Africa Province (ISCAP). To the west, the DRC faces ongoing conflicts involving various armed factions, some aligned with IS. These neighbouring conflicts pose direct threats to Tanzania's security.

Notable Incidents in Tanzania

Tanzania has witnessed several attacks attributed to IS-linked groups:

• Kitaya Attack (October 2020): Militants from ISCAP's Mozambican branch attacked the village of Kitaya in Mtwara Region, marking the group's first claimed attack in Tanzania. The assault resulted in over 20 civilian deaths.
• Dar es Salaam Shooting (August 2021): A gunman opened fire near the French embassy in Dar es Salaam, killing four people, including three police officers. Authorities later identified the attacker as an Islamic extremist, suggesting motivations linked to Tanzania's involvement in counter-terrorism efforts in Mozambique.

Regional Counter-Terrorism Efforts

In response to the escalating threat, regional and international bodies have intensified counter-terrorism operations:

• Interpol and Afripol Operations (November-December 2024): A joint operation led to the arrest of 37 suspected terrorists across East Africa, including individuals in Tanzania. Among those apprehended was a suspected member of ISCAP from Mozambique.
• U.S. Sanctions (July 2024): The U.S. Department of the Treasury targeted ISIS facilitation networks in Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa, aiming to disrupt the group's operations and financial support structures in the region.

Leadership and Recruitment Concerns

Tanzanian nationals have been implicated in leadership roles within IS-affiliated groups:

• Abu Yasir Hassan: A Tanzanian national, Hassan leads ISCAP's operations in Mozambique. Under his leadership, the group has intensified attacks in the region, contributing to instability along the Tanzania-Mozambique border.
• Recruitment Activities: Reports indicate that individuals from Tanzania have been recruited to join IS-affiliated groups in neighboring countries, raising concerns about domestic radicalization and the potential for returning fighters to perpetrate attacks within Tanzania.

Conclusion

The current threat from the Islamic State in Tanzania is multifaceted, involving direct attacks within its borders, the influence of regional conflicts, and the presence of Tanzanian nationals in leadership positions within IS-affiliated groups. The Tanzanian government, in collaboration with regional and international partners, continues to implement measures to counteract this threat and enhance national security.