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"Militant Islamist Groups"
Recommended research
published by Stig Jarle Hansen, Hudson Institute
on October 27, 2021
Despite much speculation about the connection between Africa’s militant Islamist groups and organized crime, there is very little evidence of convergence between the two. Rather, connections tend to be limited to militant Islamist groups taxing criminals’ enterprises in exchange for safe passage. Even for those who may be more involved in the illicit economy, it’s important to understand why—are they doing it for profit only or for other purposes, such as to fund governance and/or public services for the communities they control. These distinctions have important implications for how best to tackle self-described militant Islamist groups.
Spotlight
published by Gregory Pirio, Robert Pittelli, and Yussuf Adam
on August 30, 2021
Stabilizing northern Mozambique will involve more than defeating violent extremists. It will also require rebuilding trust with marginalized and traumatized local communities.
Spotlight
published by Karen Allen
on August 6, 2021
The risk of militarization of drone technology in Africa represents a new asymmetric tool that violent nonstate groups may deploy to extend the reach of their coercion, reshaping the African battlefield.
Africa Security Brief No. 39
published by Leif Brottem
on July 12, 2021
The rise of farmer-herder violence in Africa is more pernicious than fatality figures alone since it is often amplified by the emotionally potent issues of ethnicity, religion, culture, and land.
Spotlight
published by Daniel Eizenga
on May 3, 2021
Idriss Déby’s death is an outcome of the ongoing instability perpetuated by his regime. The subsequent military coup d’état led by the late president’s son risks deepening political violence in this geographically strategic country.
Spotlight
published by Mark Duerksen
on April 27, 2021
President Patrice Talon’s manipulation of electoral rules and cooption of democratic processes have caused Benin to slide quickly from a multi-party democracy to a semi-authoritarian regime, portending heightened instability.
Spotlight
published by Mark Duerksen
on March 30, 2021
Nigeria faces an array of security challenges beyond Boko Haram. Distinguishing these threats and understanding their socio-geographic contours is essential for adapting customized solutions.
Recommended research
published by Aisha Kehoe Down (OCCRP), CENOZO, Gaston Sawadogo (L'Evenement), and Tom Stocks (OCCRP)
on February 26, 2021
Sahelian militant Islamist groups continue to profit from smuggling routes and complicity from unethical multinational corporations and compromised government officials. Following the mechanics of cigarette smuggling through the Sahel reveals how corruption becomes institutionalized and ends up benefiting the very actors the government is fighting. Depriving violent extremists in the Sahel of their profits from smuggling will require depriving corrupt government officials of theirs and holding them, as well as multinational corporations accountable.
Infographic
published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies
on February 16, 2021
Acute food insecurity in Africa has increased by over 60 percent in the past year and threatens to widen further as the effects of COVID-19 exacerbate other drivers such as conflict and political mismanagement.
Spotlight
published by Joseph Siegle and Candace Cook
on January 12, 2021
A wide spectrum of credibility marks the 13 African elections slated for 2021. This has direct implications for the legitimacy of the leaders that emerge and their ability to navigate the security challenges they face.
Infographic
published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies
on December 18, 2020
Violence linked to the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) more than doubled in the past year. Concentrated along the Burkina Faso-Niger-Mali border areas, ISGS events target civilians nearly half the time.
Infographic
published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies
on November 13, 2020
Northern Cameroon has experienced the sharpest spike of Boko Haram violence in the Lake Chad Basin over the past 12 months, namely in the form of attacks on civilians.