Rise, challenges and responses of islamic extremists in West Africa: The case of Mali and Nigeria

• Main Authors: Abdullahi Ayoade, Ahmad, Hamidin, Abdul Hamid, Mohd Afandi, Salleh
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc; K Law (General)
• Online Access: http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/1118/1/FH03-FUHA-16-06232.pdf; http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/1118/

The rise of Islamic extremism from East to West Africa by groups linked to Al-Qaeda created chaotic situation such as attacks and kidnappings in the region. As a result, it generates fears that an arc of terror had emerged on the continent. Even though, these groups are considered to have pre-occupied with domestic issues, they shared certain common philosophy of anti-western rhetoric and targeting foreigners, and foreign elements. The situation poses a wider challenge not only to their area of operation but to the international community as a whole. The three main alQaeda-linked groups in Africa are Somalia’s Shabaab in the Horn of Africa, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb operates across the Sahel, and Boko Haram based in Nigeria and operates across neighboring countries. Besides, there are growing evidences of ties between the three militant groups. Each of them has specifically claimed to have links with al-Qaeda organization, and to make the situation worse, they even claimed to have become affiliated with al-Qaeda in their respective area. This research embarked at investigating the challenges that the Islamic militant in Mali and Nigeria had posted in West African region, the cooperation between concerned and neighboring countries in finding an everlasting solution, and the assistance around the globe.