Description
Drone use and its consequences are critical issues in world politics, particularly in Africa's Sahel region. The increasing use of drones, or 'dronisation', by violent non-state actors has catalysed a wave of drone-driven warfare, often catching state actors unprepared. This article analyses the current approaches to drone use among some African countries while highlighting the emerging threat from the dronisation efforts of non-state actors. The paper, underpinned by Securitisation Theory, contends that the escalating threats from dronisation necessitate a proactive approach to drone technologies, advocating for strategies beyond extant methods like hosting drone bases for Western nations or acquiring ready-made drones. It emphasises the need to securitise drone technology development and usage, urging a strategic shift towards indigenous innovation. This article enriches the literature on drones, dronisation, and counterinsurgency by offering a nuanced analysis of drone use in Africa within the rapidly evolving drone security landscape.
