Updating Africa: Tweeting Terrorism

Abstract

Africa is as adaptable and prone to change and also the media market itself. In this chapter, the author uses a form of discourse analysis as well as Shoemaker and Reeses hierarchical influences model to highlight the relationship between terrorist organisations and the media in Africa. Al-Shabaab and the live Tweeting of the Westgate Mall attack in Kenya serves as proof that African terrorist organisations can take a leading role in changing the face of terrorism on the continent. Boko Harams reaction to the #bringbackourgirls campaign reveals that African terrorists are aware of media influences, and how to manipulate it to their own advantage without necessarily publishing guts and gore. The author is of the view that African terrorist organisations have become the leading influence on media in Africa, and the way that African terrorism is studied and eventually addressed should be as open to updates as the groups that are posing these threats.