The Rise of Drones in Africa: A New Era of Warfare and Propaganda
A recent drone attack by Ukraine on Russia has highlighted the potency of weaponized unmanned aerial systems (UAS) on the battlefield. But the impact of drones is being felt far beyond Eastern Europe, with Africa experiencing a rapid expansion in the use of these technologies. From localized manufacturing to deployment and use, drones are bringing a complex array of players and proxies into the mix, changing the face of warfare and propaganda on the continent.
In Africa, around nine armed groups have acquired military-grade drones, including in Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Somalia, and Sudan. These groups are using drones not only for intelligence gathering and lethal force but also to disseminate propaganda at scale and speed. Scholars argue that violent non-state actors are using drones to generate propaganda, advertising their newfound aerial capabilities and publishing striking cinematography of their operational successes.
The use of drones by African armed groups has been inspired by the Ukraine-Russia war, with Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web demonstrating the scale of drone warfare. The operation used 117 drones smuggled into Russia to target military infrastructure, showing the potential for drones to be used in multiple tasks. The affordability of drones and the transfer of know-how between armed groups and their affiliates have made it increasingly likely that drones will be integrated into their arsenals.
But the use of drones goes beyond physical harm, with propaganda value being a significant component of their appeal. Non-state armed groups are using drones to send psychological messages, with the mere claim of using UAS sending a significant signal. The use of drones also provides an opportunity for groups to gather video, stills, and audio for sharing online and via social messaging sites, allowing them to project power beyond their capabilities.
Groups such as Ansar Allah, also known as Yemen’s Houthi group, have been at the forefront of drone warfare in the region. The technology has given them tactical and symbolic successes, which could embolden their allies in Somalia as armed groups develop closer alliances. Al-Shabaab in Somalia has also exploited drone technology, using it to disseminate propaganda and undermine the state’s sovereign authority.
The use of drones by non-state armed groups has significant implications for the continent. As Francis Okpaleke notes, propaganda videos disseminated through UAV serve not only as a tool for recruitment but also to demonstrate technological prowess, enhancing the group’s perceived legitimacy and power. The illicit trade in drone parts is also a concern, with major world powers struggling to detect or intercept smuggled drones.
As the use of drones continues to expand in Africa, it is essential for governments to focus on monitoring and risk awareness, while noting the developmental benefits of drone technology. The UN Security Council has adopted numerous resolutions addressing the misuse of UAS, and initiatives such as the Berlin Memorandum on Good Practices for Countering Terrorist Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems aim to promote greater public outreach and awareness. But more needs to be done to address the challenges posed by drones, particularly in Africa where weapons smuggling is rife. As Karen Allen, Consultant at ISS Pretoria, notes, the potent weaponized UAS are proving to be a game-changer in modern warfare, and it is essential for governments to take action to mitigate their impact.
