Terrorism concerns remained elevated across parts of Africa in July. On July 6, Moroccan authorities announced the disruption of a suspected Islamic State-linked terrorist cell and arrested 10 suspects during coordinated operations across seven cities, including the major traveler hubs of Casablanca and Agadir. Authorities reported that the group had allegedly received guidance from Islamic State affiliates operating in the Sahel and was planning attacks against public and critical infrastructure targets.

This incident reflects the sustained operational presence of extremist groups in the Sahel, where Islamic State and al-Qaeda-linked organizations remain active across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. While attacks are concentrated primarily in conflict-affected areas, these networks have shown an ability to inspire or support plots elsewhere in the region, including North African cities frequented by foreigners. Travelers may encounter heightened security at transportation hubs, government facilities, tourist sites, and other high-profile locations as authorities respond to elevated threats in the months ahead.

South Africa saw significant civil unrest following a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country, with nationwide anti-immigration marches on July 1 resulting in over 900 arrests. Organizers have pledged to hold weekly protests every Thursday until their demands are met. Separately, in Tanzania, youth-led protestors gathered on July 7 demanding democratic reforms and justice for victims of last year’s disputed election, prompting a heavy security deployment in major cities ahead of demonstrations.

Although most protests remain localized, demonstrations have periodically disrupted transportation networks, commercial activity, and access to government districts and public facilities. The persistence of economic pressures, political tensions, and public dissatisfaction in several African countries suggests that similar protests could emerge with limited warning elsewhere in the region, particularly in major cities where demonstrations can quickly affect mobility and business operations.