A leading South African bishop has warned about the increasing presence and financial activity of individuals linked to the Islamic State in the country, and the government’s inaction to counter the threat.
In his opening address at the General Assembly of the South African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) held from 5 to 9 August 2024, Bishop Sithembele Shipuka, president of the conference, said: said The Islamic State is on the move and the authorities had better wake up.
“The recent news regarding the presence and financial activity of individuals associated with ISIS in South Africa is concerning,” Bishop Shipka said. “There has been little response from the government on this matter, perhaps because they consider it to be unimportant.”
“The destabilization of countries like Mozambique and Nigeria and their association with ISIS is a cause for concern because it causes great suffering for ordinary people, as has been evident in Cabo del Galdo, Mozambique,” the bishop added.
Bishop Shipuka also referred to disturbing reports that a site in Limpopo province had been discovered being used as a military camp, possibly by jihadists.
According to international terrorism tracks, the Islamic State uses South Africa as a financial hub to move funds across the continent.
In March 2022, the U.S. Treasury Specified The Fidesz news agency, the official information arm of the Pontifical Missionary Society, said certain individuals and organisations were acting as intermediaries for Islamic State fundraising activities in South Africa.
The report cites Durban-based individuals who funded jihadist activities in the DRC with money obtained through criminal activities (extortion, kidnapping for ransom).
The other suspect was based in Cape Town and was training Muslim recruits to carry out robberies.
In March, the Counter ISIS Financial Group (CIFG), an international organization led by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Italy, release Reports that South African-based banks are acting as conduits for Islamic State funds.
“ISIS uses South African-based banks to transfer funds from GDP to ISIS in Central Africa,” the report said.
