1
PROTOCOL TO THE OAU CONVENTION ON THE
PREVENTION AND COMBATING OF TERRORISM
We, the Heads of State and Government of the Member States of
the African Union;
Gravely concerned at the increasing incidence of terrorist acts
worldwide, including in Africa, and the growing risks of linkages
between terrorism and mercenarism, weapons of mass destruction,
drug trafficking, corruption, transnational organized crimes, money
laundering, and the illicit proliferation of small arms;
Determined to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations
and any support thereto in Africa;
Aware of the capabilities of the perpetrators of terrorist acts to use
sophisticated technology and communication systems for organizing
and carrying out their terrorist acts;
Bearing in Mind that the root causes of terrorism are complex and
need to be addressed in a comprehensive manner;
Convinced that acts of terrorism cannot be justified under any
circumstances;
Determined to ensure Africa’s active participation, cooperation and
coordination with the international community in its determined
efforts to combat and eradicate terrorism;
Guided by the principles and regulations enshrined in international
conventions and the relevant decisions of the United Nations (UN) to
prevent and combat terrorism, including resolution 1373 adopted by
the Security Council on 28 September 2001, and the relevant General
Assembly resolutions;
Reaffirming our commitment to the OAU Convention for the
Elimination of Mercenarism in Africa, adopted in Libreville, Gabon, in
July 1977;
Reaffirming our commitment to the Code of Conduct for Inter-African
Relations adopted by the Thirtieth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of