The Growing Influence of Al-Qaeda on the African Continent

Abstract: Al-Qaeda’s influence in Africa is growing. From 2009 to 2011, activity by Al-Qaeda was noted in 19 African nations and regions. Four  regional Al-Qaeda organizations operate on the continent, which in turn often have several sub-organizations: the Egyptian Islamic Jihad, the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (with its suborganizations Al-Qaeda in Mali, Al-Qaeda in Mauritania, Al-Qaeda in Morocco and Al-Qaeda in Sudan) and Al-Shabab in Somalia. Since Osama bin Laden’s death on 2 May 2011, the influence of African leaders within AlQaeda has increased significantly. All three presumed members of the strategic command level originate from Africa. The revolutions of the Arab Spring have not harmed Al-Qaeda. This contribution highlights the potential for further expansion by Al-Qaeda on the African continent, and how this needs to be responded to.

Manuscript received 1 October 2011; accepted 15 October 2011

Author :

Hans Krech is the managing director of the Scientific Forum for International
Security (Wissenschaftliches Forum für Internationale Sicherheit e.V. – WIFIS)
at the German Federal Armed Forces Command and Staff College (Führungsakademie der Bundeswehr), in Hamburg, Germany. Captain (reserve) Krech is
the author of numerous security policy studies.

Document attached : http://hup.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/afsp/article/viewFile/464/462