The rise and fall of the Islamic State in North Africa and the Sahel
How did Islamic State expand into North Africa and the Sahel? And how did their presence in the region affect the regional al-Qaeda group, AQIM (Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb)? This article gives an overview of IS’ presence in North Africa/Sahel since the establishment of the Caliphate. Although IS managed to gain foothold in Libya in 2014 – and subsequently in Egypt and Nigeria – their presence in North Africa and the Sahel appears fragile – in particular since end 2016, when they were ousted from their so-called “province” in Libya. AQIM in contrast has a longstanding presence in the region. The rivalry between IS and AQ in this theatre has incited AQ splinter groups to overcome old rivalries and unite in view of carrying out venomous attacks. During 2016, these reunited groups stepped up their attacks on Western targets as well as on the UN stabilization mission in Mali.
The Winter 2017 issue ofConnectionsis dedicated to the controversies between al-Qaeda (AQ) and Islamic State (IS) and their historical, ideological or geographical affiliates. The special issue includes contributions from seven DIIS researchers. This article is one of the contributions.
DIIS Experts
