People all over the world are growing used to waking up to a Newsfeed filled with terrorist attacks. After the attack that grieved Paris, the capital of France, earlier this month, people grew more aware and alarmed by the threat. Consequently, media in all its forms have witnessed an uproar of support for the recently grieved country. Yet, it remains as a great surprise that the African continent has again been left unnoticed.
Various African countries have suffered similar attacks throughout the year. Although, ISIS may not be the main terrorist threat there, groups like Boko Haram, which are affiliated with ISIS dwell deeply within the continent. In fact, at least eight countries there have been affected by the terrorist attacks during the year of 2015.
Kenya
The second of April, Kenya was shocked by a terrorist attack that targeted Garissa University in Garissa. The attack that was later adopted by Al- Shabab. The group has killed at least 147 people.
Cameroon
In a series of ongoing clashes at the borders, Boko Haram have managed to kill at least 90 people while injuring 500 others in the city of Fotokol. The Cameroon have reported a series of village invasions and burnings of churches and mosques.
Nigeria
Starting after the reign of the new Nigerian President, Boko Haram launched a series of terror attacks that resulted in the slaughter of 1000 people. These attacks took various shapes the latest being a suicidal mosque bombing in October that killed at least 18 people. It is important to mention that just last year, Boko Haram kidnapped what is estimated to be 300 school girls from Chibok in Nigeria.
Tunisia
On the 18th of March, Tunisia was devastated by the terrorist attack that targeted Bardo National Museum in the capital. The attack that was later adopted by ISIL killed at least 24 people.
Mali
No earlier than the 20th of this month, a terrorist attack unraveled in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Mali. The attack that was reportedly carried by Al Qaeda left 21 victims behind.
Egypt
In July of the year 2015, a series of attacks on police stations and checkpoints in northern Sinai resulted in the death of at least 64 people, most of which were soldiers. The attacks have been reportedly linked to ISIL group.
Niger
Niger which shares borders with both Nigeria and Mali has seen Boko Haram forces move inwards towards its lands. Niger was attacked in April which had a toll of 58 deaths.
Libya
In January, Libya has had its share of terrorism when an attack carried by ISIS targeted Corinthia Hotel. The attack had a toll of ten victims five of which were foreigners.
It is as simple as this: Africa is a forgotten continent.
At least 1,344 people have gone victims to terrorism in various African countries in the year 2015. The grieving toll should've left the world in a state of shock and disdain, but instead have fallen invisible to media, especially social media. It is an outrage that so many lives have gone unnoticed.
In brief, it is time for the world to see that Africa is suffering too.
All lives, regardless of location, should carry the same value.
Prayers to all those who grieve, the countries that suffer, and the continent that wails in agony.
#PRAYERSFORAFRICA