East Africa is suffering from repercussions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, extremism, crime and corruption

East Africa is trying to recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes it even more difficult when they are also fighting crime, corruption and extremism at the same time. A report made by the Counter Extremism Project (CEP) reveals that illicit trade is on the rise as the main finance of criminal enterprises, extremism and breeder of corruption in East Africa and nearby provinces. The report further states that East Africa is increasingly targeted by terrorists and international crime groups as a destination market for illicit trade and transport hub for import and export of illicit goods. This trade is linked to the funding of terrorists, warlords and extremists. Groups like al-Shabaab are cashing in on the illegal trade networks.