Publication

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram constitute the greatest threats to Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa. They are all Islamist in nature but reports of their close links and coordination are premature. These organizations are mostly focused on activities in Algeria, Somalia and Nigeria and poses neither the strength nor the means to establish cooperation. The US, which conducts counter-terrorism operations in Africa, and to a lesser extent the EU, which is engaged in assistance and humanitarian activities on the continent, could play a positive role in combating these organizations.