Overview

ICCT’s work in West Africa is centered around local terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and al Qaeda and their influence on the region. Countering extremism in countries such as Nigeria and developing means to bring peace and stability have also been central issues in the research and activities that ICCT has undertaken in West Africa. Another focus has been the instability in Mali and the implications the conflict has on the wider region. Here, the topics vary from the international stabilisation efforts to the combat against local narco-terrorism.

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Research Paper | 14 Oct 2013

Nigeria's Troubled North: Interrogating the Drivers of Public Support for Boko Haram

In this Research Paper, ICCT Visiting Fellow Akinola Olojo examines the key drivers of public support for Boko Haram in northern Nigeria. The author suggests that the effective formulation and implementation of a proactive (Nigerian) counter-terrorism strategy requires an incisive understanding of the political, socio-economic and religious/ideological drivers of public support for the group. The multi-dimensional nature of the Boko Haram crisis in northern Nigeria challenges conventional approaches used in addressing terrorist violence. Olojo reflects on the need for a bold mix of interventions and partnerships that combine elements of both hard and soft power. The application of these approaches by both domestic actors and external partners must necessarily draw upon an understanding of the key drivers that this paper explores.

Policy Brief | 10 Oct 2018 To Help Defeat Boko Haram, the EU Should Push for Good Governance and Accountability
In this Policy Brief, EJ Hogendoorn suggests what the EU could do to address the drivers of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. Hogendoorn argues that although the EU has increased its humanitarian support to those affected by Boko Haram, it has thus far refrained from becoming to involved in a direct counter-terrorism response.
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Report | 27 Nov 2017 Action Agenda on Violent Extremist Offenders in Prison in Mali
This Action Agenda discusses the background of the conflict in Mali as well as some of the issues faced in Mali with regards to violent extremist offenders in prison. It provides recommendations and proposed activities in four action areas to address concerns and needs identified by ICCT and UNICRI throughout the initiatives implemented by both organisations so far.
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Research Paper | 31 Mar 2016 The Islamic State’s Global Propaganda Strategy
This Research Paper aims to analyse in depth the global propaganda strategy of the so-called “Islamic State” by looking at the methods through which this grand strategy is carried out as well as its objectives.
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Research Paper | 28 Jan 2016 Beneath the Apparent State of Affairs: Stability in Ghana and Benin
In this Clingendael paper, ICCT Fellows Knoope and Chauzal explore how Ghana and Benin are dealing with politics, identity and societal stress, in response to the Sahel crisis and regionalisation of Boko Haram.
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Research Paper | 1 Sep 2015 Operation ‘Serval’: A Strategic Analysis of the French Intervention in Mali, 2013–2014
In this Article published by Leiden University's Centre for Terrorism and Counterterrorism, ICCT Research Fellow Sergei Boeke and Bart Schuurman discuss the French military intervention in Mali, launched in 2013.
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Research Paper | 5 Feb 2015 Mali’s Long Road Ahead
The authors discuss recent military operations in Mali and warn against the temptation to treat the various jihadists as a homogenous group.
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Report | 4 Nov 2014 Practices and Reflections on Development, Security, and Peace in context of Violent Extremism and Terrorism
The side event to the UN Counter-Terrorism Strategy Review includes a short introduction of the multi-stakeholder approach to prevent and mitigate extreme violence, and closes with recommendations.
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Perspective | 3 Dec 2013 Mokhtar Belmokhtar: A Loose Cannon?
This Commentary discusses the announcement of a new jihadist organisation the Al-Mourabitoun.
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Research Paper | 14 Oct 2013 Nigeria’s Troubled North: Interrogating the Drivers of Public Support for Boko Haram
In this Research Paper, Former Visiting Fellow Akinola Olojo examines the key drivers of public support for Boko Haram in northern Nigeria.
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Perspective | 19 Aug 2013 Al Qaeda during the Elections in Mali: The Dog that Did Not Bark
This Commentary looks at the elections and explains why various terrorist groups missed the opportunity to disrupt the democratic process in Mali.
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Perspective | 24 Jun 2013 Engendering Counter-Terrorism in Northern Nigeria
This Commentary examines the role of women in the ongoing conflict in Northern Nigeria.
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Perspective | 23 May 2013 Mediation, Bounties and Amnesty for Boko Haram: A Deadlock of Priorities
This Commentary discusses the available options in Nigeria and the contradictions of state policy thus far.
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Perspective | 10 Apr 2013 Destination Jihad: Why Syria and not Mali
This Commentary analyses the exodus of young European jihadists that are inundating Western intelligence services.
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Perspective | 13 Mar 2013 Mali and the Narco-Terrorists
In the Francophone press, jihadists and rebels in Northern Mali are frequently referred to as "narco-terrorists". This Commentary discusses the use of such terminology and its implications.
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Perspective | 5 Mar 2012 Containing al Qaeda in Africa
In recent years commentators have begun to suggest that Africa will be the next haven for al Qaeda, with al Shabaab, al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and Boko Haram all having affiliations with al Qaeda in varying degrees.
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Perspective | 9 Jun 2010 Decrease in Global Terrorism Threat: Now Look for Means to Sustain It
In the first ICCT Commentary, Prof. Dr. Edwin Bakker reflects upon the conclusions by Insurance Company Aon that counter-terrorism efforts have caused a decrease in the global terrorism threat level.
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West Africa & Sahel

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