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Articles on Al Shabab

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A Nigerien official explains to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken the jihadist crisis facing Niger and the surrounding region in March 2023. Boureima Hama/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

The US is losing access to its bases in Niger − here’s why that’s a big deal

The disintegration of the United States’ relationship with Niger following its military coup in 2023 is giving way to stronger ties between the African country and Russia and China.
Mozambique’s military responded swiftly following deadly attacks by Islamist gunmen on three police stations recently. Reuters/Juda Ngwenya

Why Islamist attack demands a careful response from Mozambique

The first Islamist attack carried out by Mozambicans in the country is particularly surprising given the pride the country takes in its sound and relaxed inter-religious relations.
Herder Ahmed Haji waters his goats. AP Photo/Ben Curtis

Three reasons for optimism in Somalia

According to 2016 rankings, Somalia is the most fragile state in the world, worse off even than Syria. But there are reasons to believe things will improve.
Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo (right) with outgoing President Hassan Sheik Mohamud. EPA/Said Yusuf Warsame

Al-Shabaab: Should the Somali president open talks with the terror group?

If Al-Shabaab maintains its hard stance, the possibility for dialogue will continue to be remote and Somalia’s government will be forced to intensify the war on terror through new strategies.
The dogmas of ruling and rebel groups in Africa conflate political conflict and spirituality. Reuters/Alain Amontchi

What lies behind the rise of jihadist movements in Africa

The failure of African states to adequately address their racial, ethnic, cultural, religious and economic differences provided the fertile ground on which rebel groups now prosper.
The aftermath of a car bombing in Mogadishu in February, blamed on Al-Shabab. EPA/Elyas Ahmed

What the al Shabab-al Qaeda merger means for Australia

Al Qaeda’s recent acquisition of the Somali militant group al Shabab as its newest franchise has been dismissed in some circles as a propaganda ploy, and a play for relevance by two groups on the decline…

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