Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb: Shadow of Terror over The Sahel, from 2007

Insurgencies in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and elsewhere, mostly linked to al Qaeda, are in the news on an almost daily basis. However, a festering insurgency that has been on the go for six years in West Africa under the acronym of AQIM, or al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, has received little attention. Nigeria has been drawn into the equation due to its Boko Haram insurgent faction's close ties with AQIM and Islamic State. The focus is now on Mali, where several jihadist groups remain active, involving the French army, air force, United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA), European Union Training Mission (EUTM), and European Union Capacity Building Mission (EUCAP). The insurrection broke out in early 2012 when President François Hollande announced the beginning of Operation Serval, with French Gazelle helicopter gunships and fighter jets based in Chad making sorties against rebel ground targets in northern Mali.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2018
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The news is filled with stories of insurgencies in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and other regions, most of which are linked to the terrorist organization al Qaeda. However, there is a less known insurgency that has been ongoing for six years in West Africa, known as AQIM or al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. This low-level series of guerrilla conflicts spans a vast area, comparable to the size of Europe. Nigeria has become involved in this equation due to the close ties between its Boko Haram insurgent faction and AQIM and Islamic State. While the focus is currently on Mali, where several jihadist groups remain active despite formal peace agreements, it is worth noting that the insurrection that sparked this unrest began in early 2012 when President François Hollande announced the initiation of Operation Serval. Just five hours later, the first squadrons of French Gazelle helicopter gunships commenced attacking Islamist columns. A day later, French fighter jets based in Chad, approximately 2,000 kilometers away, launched sorties against rebel ground targets in northern Mali.

The involvement of various international forces in the region is evident. The French army and air force are actively engaged, along with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), the European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM), and the European Union Capacity Building Mission (EUCAP). These missions aim to support the Malian government in countering the threat posed by the jihadist groups and promoting stability in the country.

The insurgency in West Africa has posed significant challenges for the international community. It highlights the interconnectedness of global terrorism and the need for coordinated efforts to address it. The involvement of multiple organizations and countries demonstrates a commitment to promoting peace and security in the region.

However, the fight against terrorism is not an easy one. It requires a multifaceted approach that includes military intervention, political reconciliation, and social development. The challenges in Mali are particularly complex, as the country has been dealing with political instability, economic challenges, and regional conflicts.

To address these challenges, it is essential to strengthen the cooperation between the international community and the Malian government. This includes providing support for the country's security forces, promoting economic development, and addressing the underlying social and political issues that contribute to terrorism.

Furthermore, it is important to recognize the role that education and awareness play in countering terrorism. By promoting understanding and tolerance, we can help to prevent individuals from being recruited by terrorist organizations.

In conclusion, the insurgency in West Africa under the acronym of AQIM is a low-level series of guerrilla conflicts that spans a vast area, comparable to the size of Europe. While it has received less attention than other conflicts, it is important to recognize the threat it poses to regional stability and security. The involvement of various international forces, including the French army and air force, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), the European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM), and the European Union Capacity Building Mission (EUCAP), demonstrates a commitment to countering the threat posed by the jihadist groups. To address this challenge, it is essential to strengthen the cooperation between the international community and the Malian government, provide support for security forces, promote economic development, and address the underlying social and political issues that contribute to terrorism. Additionally, education and awareness play a crucial role in countering terrorism by promoting understanding and tolerance.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 158 x 234 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526728739