General Situation.
The reporting period, 1st to 15th August, 2019 recorded a slight increase in the number of attacks by terrorist and violent extremist groups across Africa compared to the period 16th to 31st July, 2019. However, the number of deaths resulting from terrorist attacks drastically decreased.

Terrorist Attacks.
A total of 76 terrorist attacks were recorded across Africa during the period compared to 68 attacks during the preceding period.
Countries Most Affected.
The five countries most affected by terrorism during the period are Somalia, DRC, Nigeria, Mali and Egypt, (In decreasing order of deaths recorded).

Target of Terrorist Attacks.
While 41 out of the 76 terrorist attacks were launched against civilians, 28 were targeted at Security Forces. Five attacks targeted Personnel of International Peace Operations (AMISOM, MINUSMA and UNSMIL) and three others targeted Government Institutions/Officials. The attacks by alShabaab, ISWAP and JNIM were mainly against Security Forces whilst, Boko Haram (SF) and ADF/ISCAP mostly targeted civilians. IS affiliates in Somalia targeted both civilians and security forces in equal measure.

Weapons Used.
The terrorist groups used Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in 53 out of the 77 attacks. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were used in 16 of the attacks and both IEDs and SALW were used in one attack. Other six attacks were cases of kidnapping.

Terrorism Deaths/Casualties.
A total number of 228 deaths resulting from the 76 terrorist attacks were recorded during the period. The actual casualty figures for the period were 121 civilians, 39 Military/Security personnel and 68 terrorist. Casualties Inflicted by Terrorist Groups. Boko Haram (SF) killed 20 persons (19 civilians, 1 security); ADF/ISCAP killed 18 civilians; ISWAP killed 14 persons (8 civilians, 6 Security); Al-Shabaab killed 11 persons (3 civilians, 8 security); IS affiliates in Somalia killed one security personnel; and Unknown/Other groups killed 95 persons (73 civilians, 22 Security).

Casualties Sustained by Terrorist Groups.
Al-Shabaab suffered the highest casualties during the period. Security forces killed 112 al-Shabaab militants. ISWAP lost 23 militants, Boko Haram lost 17, IS affiliated groups in Libya and Tunisia lost 3, and 8 militants from Unknown /Other groups were also killed.

Kidnapping.
Six cases of kidnapping were recorded and a total of 60 persons were taken hostage in Burkina Faso, DRC, Mali and Niger. Two out of the 60 persons kidnapped were killed and 58 others remained in hostage. A group linked to al-Qaeda demanded $1.5 Million ransom for the release of a South African national held captive.

Focus on Epicentres.
Out of the total of 76 terrorist attacks, Sahel region accounted for 28, Lake Chad Basin recorded 16, and Horn of Africa recorded 12. The Horn of Africa recorded 56 deaths from terrorist attacks, the Lake Chad Basin recorded 54 deaths and the Sahel region recorded 43 deaths during the period under review.

High Profile Incidents.
On 14 August, Awdheegle, Lower Shabelle, Somalia, al-Shabaab militants attacked a military base killing six soldiers, One civilians and injured 13 other soldiers. 23 alShabaab militants were also eliminated. On 04 August, Cairo, Egypt, a car packed with explosives exploded outside Egypt’s main cancer hospital, killing 20 persons and injuring 47 others. Counter-Terrorism Response. Deliberate CT operations resulted in the neutralization of 95 militants of terrorist groups.

Conclusions/Recommendations.
Somalia and Mali were the most affected countries within the period. In Somalia, definitive control of Awdhegle town by Security forces could significantly reduce revenues and operational capabilities of the al-Shabaab. Somali Security forces need to strengthen their collaboration and coordination with AMISOM and US Africa Command (AFRICOM) forces to enhance their operational and intelligence gathering capabilities. It is also critical for the Somali Security forces to engage the local population in intelligence gathering while being mindful of double agents who may be used by al-Shabaab to infiltrate its ranks. In Mali, the Humanitarian Agreement between the Farmers, Herdsmen and traditional Dozo hunters of Djene Cycle signed on 01 August is a strong opportunity to prevent JNIM and ISGS from exploiting the conflict. Assistance to marginalized citizens by authorities and partner organizations, design of strong PCVE and Reconciliation programs; and commencement of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration of armed groups operating in those areas could significantly improve the crisis situation.