Flashpoint warnings: Chinese embassies take security seriously as threats in Africa heat up

China is taking the security of its investments and people in Africa more seriously as it protects its belt and road interests

Embassies have been sending out security alerts to Chinese citizens whenever there are threats of attacks

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Al-Shabab fighters carry out armed exercises near Mogadishu, in Somalia. Chinese embassies have become better at giving warnings of security threats to citizens in African countries. Photo: AP

Published: 1:54pm, 4 Nov 2023

The Chinese embassy in Kenya last week issued a security alert warning Chinese citizens against visiting some areas. It came amid fears that Somalia-based Islamist insurgent group al-Shabab could launch an attack in “solidarity” with Hamas in the escalating war between Israel and Gaza.

“In recent times, as global hot issues continue to heat up, Kenya’s domestic security situation has become increasingly uncertain,” the embassy warned. It followed similar measures by the US embassy in Nairobi which told Americans on October 13 to avoid high-traffic tourist areas.

It is just one example of how Chinese embassies across Africa have become more adept at early warnings over flashpoints or threats from terrorists, kidnappers and bandits. At the same time, they have become less reliant on political access and connections with African ruling elites to protect China’s investments and citizens.

Paul Nantulya, a China expert at the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies in Washington, said such early warnings have improved significantly over the last decade.

“When statements like that are issued, then it is because the early warning systems that the Chinese embassies have been investing in have picked up potential flashpoints or threats,” he said.

“China does a much better job nowadays than say 10 years ago, in terms of surveillance of security incidents.”