Jihadists of North Africa and the Sahel: Local Politics and Rebel Groups

Jihadist movements claim to be vehicles for the application of God's word, but they are immersed in politics, negotiating political relationships with forces and within their ranks. This study examines jihadist movements in North Africa and the Sahel, highlighting their activities and internal struggles over the past three decades. It offers unique insights into the inner workings of jihadist organizations and sheds new light on mass-based jihadist movements and proto-states.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Jihadist movements have often asserted that their primary objective is to implement God's word, distancing themselves from the realm of politics, which they perceive as tainted and artificial. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that jihadist movements are deeply intertwined with politics, engaging in negotiations and forming political relationships not only with the external forces surrounding them but also within their own ranks. This study, utilizing case studies from North Africa and the Sahel region, including Algeria, Libya, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania, delves into the inner workings of jihadist movements over the past three decades. By examining their activities and internal conflicts, Alexander Thurston sheds light on the strategies employed by jihadist field commanders and clerics as they adapt to rapidly evolving conflicts. Through a critical analysis of Arabic-language jihadist statements, this book offers unique insights into the inner workings of jihadist organizations, shedding new light on the phenomenon of mass-based jihadist movements and proto-states.

Introduction:
Jihadist movements have gained significant attention in recent years due to their involvement in violent conflicts and their pursuit of religious and political goals. While these movements claim to be guided by divine law, they are often immersed in political processes and engage in complex negotiations with both external forces and their own members. This study aims to examine the political aspects of jihadist movements, focusing on their activities and internal struggles over the past three decades.

Political Engagement of Jihadist Movements:
Jihadist movements are not immune to the influence of politics. They negotiate political relationships with a range of actors, including governments, rebel groups, and other jihadist organizations. These negotiations often involve the exchange of resources, support, and influence within the region. For example, jihadist groups in the Sahel region have formed alliances with local rebel groups to fight against government forces and establish Islamic states.

However, jihadist movements are also characterized by internal struggles and divisions. These struggles can be political, ideological, or religious in nature. For instance, some jihadist groups may prioritize the establishment of an Islamic state over other religious or political goals, leading to conflicts within the movement. Similarly, ideological differences between different factions of a jihadist group can lead to splits and the formation of new organizations.

Calculation and Adaptation of Jihadist Leaders:
Jihadist field commanders and clerics play a crucial role in the political dynamics of jihadist movements. They make calculated decisions and adaptations to respond to changing circumstances and achieve their goals. These leaders are often skilled in improvisation and are able to adapt their strategies and beliefs to suit the needs of the movement.

For example, in the context of the Sahel region, jihadist field commanders have adapted their tactics to counter the military capabilities of government forces. They have used a combination of guerrilla warfare, suicide bombings, and targeted attacks to inflict casualties and gain support. Similarly, clerics have played a significant role in shaping the ideology and beliefs of jihadist movements, providing religious justification for their actions and promoting a radical interpretation of Islam.

Critical Analysis of Arabic-Language Jihadist Statements:
Arabic-language jihadist statements provide valuable insights into the inner workings of jihadist organizations. These statements are often used to articulate the goals and beliefs of the movement, as well as to justify their actions. By analyzing these statements, we can gain a better understanding of the political motivations and objectives of jihadist groups.

For example, in a statement released by the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2014, the group claimed to be establishing a caliphate, or Islamic state, across the Middle East and North Africa. The statement emphasized the importance of religious purity and the rejection of Western values and institutions. This statement reflects the political goals of ISIS and the ideological framework that guides its actions.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, jihadist movements are deeply intertwined with politics. They engage in negotiations and form political relationships with a range of actors, including governments, rebel groups, and other jihadist organizations. Internal struggles and divisions are also common within jihadist movements, driven by political, ideological, and religious differences. Jihadist field commanders and clerics play a crucial role in the political dynamics of these movements, making calculated decisions and adaptations to respond to changing circumstances. Critical analysis of Arabic-language jihadist statements provides valuable insights into the inner workings of jihadist organizations and sheds light on their political motivations and objectives.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 152 x 231 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108726863