Topic: Al-Shabab

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Malnourished people stand around the carcasses of dead livestock in Somalia (image Erik Siegl)

Climate change impacts Somalia

What future without rain – or aid?

Somalia is still facing unprecedented drought and high inflation, ruining the livelihoods of many and causing widespread hunger. Dadaab refugee camp in eastern Kenya, where Somalis have found refuge over decades, is again facing a new influx. Erik Siegl reportsMore

From failed state to fragile state? Somalia and the rocky road towards greater stabilityPort of Berbera, Somaliland: The development of a trade hub in the Horn of AfricaCOP27 and the Middle East: Millions at risk of climate displacement
Heightened security in Somalia following the murder of a French agent (photo: Mohammed Abdiwahab/AFP/Getty Images)

From failed state to fragile state?

Somalia and the rocky road towards greater stability

With elections on the horizon and an altered African Union mission, Somalia was meant to enter a new phase of stabilisation in 2021. But both have been postponed, and the present government seems ill-equipped to shoulder the country's considerable challenges. It is time for external stakeholders to name their terms, says Annette WeberMore

Islamism in eastern Africa: Not immune to terrorGunfire echoes at election delay protest in Somali capitalMigration pact with Africa: The EU′s paper tigerThe Somali Islamist group Al-Shabab: Striking terror in the Horn of Africa
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (photo: picture-alliance/AP Images/N. Asfouri)

Africa's Muslims

Pawns of the Saudis

Rich Saudis are investing millions in building mosques in Africa. And they are being accused of using radical preachers to destabilise the region. But there has long been much more at stake on the African continent than proselytising. By Gwendolin HilseMore

Islamists in Africa: The ever-present threatInterview with Bakary Sambe: ''In the Arab world, we Africans are viewed as inferior Muslims''Ansar Dine's religious leader Cherif Ousmane Haidara: ''This is not Sharia, but banditry''
Al-Shabab fighters on patrol in Mogadishu in 2009. In May 2017 U.S. operations against the al-Qaida linked organisation were stepped up (photo: picture-alliance/AP Photo/Mohamed Sheikh Nor)

Islamists in Africa

The ever-present threat

Boko Haram in Nigeria, Al-Shabab in Somalia: Islamist groups dominate the image of Islam in Africa. Yet it is too simplistic to assert that Islam south of the Sahara is becoming more conservative as whole. By Daniel PelzMore

The case of Somalia: Pirates, warlords and IslamistsThe rise of Boko Haram: When the terror beganCombating violent extremism: Could Sufi Islam be the cure-all?
Al-Shabab fighters in Somalia (photo: picture-alliance/AP Photo/F.-A. Warsameh)

Islamism in eastern Africa

Not immune to terror

Somalia, Kenya and their neighbouring countries are increasingly being haunted by extremist violence. This essay assesses why this region has become a hotbed of Islamism and why one-dimensional military interventions by external forces have not delivered the desired results. By Emmanuel KisianganiMore

Interview with Guido Steinberg: "Al-Shabab attacks could destabilise the entire region"The case of Somalia: Pirates, warlords, and IslamistsThe Somali Islamist group al-Shabab: Striking terror in the Horn of Africa
Dr. Guido Steinberg (photo: DW)

Interview with Guido Steinberg

"Al-Shabab Attacks Could Destabilize the Entire Region"

An expert on militant Islamism Guido Steinberg says the attack on a Nairobi shopping mall by the Al-Shabab militia shows that the Somali-based conflict is spreading to neighbouring countries. Interview by Philipp SandnerMore

Somalia and Ethiopia: "Against the Islamists, Peace Is Impossible"The Case of Somalia: Pirates, Warlords, and IslamistsThe Somali Islamist Group Al-Shabab: Striking Terror in the Horn of Africa
Al-Shabaab militiamen near Mogadishu (photo: dapd)

The Case of Somalia

Pirates, Warlords, and Islamists

Over the past few years, interest in the fate of Somalia has increasingly faded into the background. And as books about the country are a scarce commodity, it is all the more welcome that Marc Engelhardt is now sharing his wealth of experience and solid knowledge about Somalia. By Laura OvermeyerMore

The Somali Islamist Group Al-Shabab: Striking Terror in the Horn of AfricaWar in Somalia: Mogadishu between Plague and CholeraSomalia: The Hour of the Islamists
Member of an Islamist militia in Balad, Somalia (photo: AP)

Islamists in Somalia

Fears of War on the Horn of Africa

After 15 years of anarchy in Somalia, Islamists have taken control of large parts of the country. But the growing influence of the Union of Islamic Courts and the rise to power of extremists threaten to embroil the entire region in war. By Marc EngelhardtMore