In a new report, International Christian Concern (ICC) Fellow Daniel St John examines the revenue-generating systems in Africa that support Islamic extremist groups like the Islamic State group and al-Shabab.

The report, “The East African Terrorism Economy: Systemic Targeting of Christians,” provides an overview of the Islamic extremist groups, the Somalia-based financial hub for regional terrorist networks, and the challenges associated with disrupting terrorist funding. St John also examines why sanctions alone have failed to halt these groups’ ability to generate revenue and support operations.

Christians constitute the majority population in many of the regions most affected by these groups. This pattern of violence is not incidental. Rather, it reveals deliberate operational priorities that are evident in attack patterns, victim demographics, propaganda messaging, and the strategic aims of these groups.

Revenue generated through taxation, extortion, looting, smuggling, and other criminal activities is diverted to recruitment, weapons procurement, medical supplies, food, and logistical support, enabling these organizations to continue operations and conduct attacks against civilians who reject their ideology. While these groups maintain viable revenue streams, the persecution, displacement, and killing of Christians are likely to continue.

To read the report, click here.

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