Major sporting events provide opportunities for terrorists to orchestrate attacks that capture global attention, the National Counter Terrorism Centre has warned.
As a result, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and United Nations and international agencies have launched threat assessments to prevent terror attacks during major sporting events, especially the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
The measures seek to protect the lives of athletes, officials, the spectators, and also replace the feeling of insecurity that terrorism creates.
The Director of the NCTC Kigen Kibiego yesterday said extremist groups have been targeting such event for attacks and recruitment due to the significant influx of fan groups.
Kibiego was speaking yesterday during a workshop on enhancing security of major sporting events attended by officials from the Tanzania NCTC, Uganda NCTC, and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT).
“Over time, extremist groups have been targeting major sporting events for terror attacks hence the need to protect them. It is very crucial that we begin now. These terrorists’ organizations seek to instill fear, undermine public confidence and ultimately disrupt the safe and celebratory environment that these events evoke,” he noted.
Security gaps
The countries are also seeking to establish a comprehensive security plan that will identify security gaps and develop mitigation measures within all the venues that shall be hosting the tournaments and its affiliated activities.
Kibiego further noted some of the major sporting events that have been targeted by terrorists’ groups in the recent past including the CAF 2022 and the Paris Olympics 2024.
According to the UNOCT, terrorists groups have in the past attempted and continue to strike sporting events not solely because they are attended by large groups of people, but also because they represent what terrorists aim to destroy in the societies and across the world.
Violent extremism
“By promoting inclusivity and positive values, sports can serve as a powerful tool in preventing violent extremism, fostering resilience, and strengthening social cohesion. That is what terrorists want to destroy,” they said.
Sport is an extraordinary generator of positive values and an unparalleled unifying power, which can transcend civilizational and cultural barriers, according to UNOCT.
The agencies and government representatives and experts from the sports sector responsible for ensuring the successful hosting of AFCON 2027 are attending the meeting. The meeting focused on challenges, good practices lessons learned, and new and emerging trends and strategized for a comprehensive and unified approach, outlining specific actionable recommendations for the three countries.
“The teams are emphasizing the importance of collaboration across sectors, discussions will cover the preparation, planning, and delivery frameworks needed to ensure the safety of players, fans and officials,” Kibiego said.
He added: “This important initiative highlights the importance of regional cooperation to safeguard major sporting events like AFCON 2027.”
This timely workshop underscores the role of sports in creating peaceful environments and mitigating the risk of radicalization, particularly in vulnerable communities. The participants said ensuring robust security is crucial, not only to protect players and fans but also to demonstrate the power of collective action in countering the narratives of extremism.
The region has been a victim of terrorism in many ways. In Kenya terrorists have been targeting several sites with explosives.
