Somalia’s Al-Shabab has overtaken Boko Haram as the deadliest militant group in Africa
IN APRIL, Somalia’s new president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, who is better known by his nickname Farmajo, tried a new tactic in the fight against the Somali militant group Al-Shabab. First, he declared war on the group. Then he offered the militants amnesty, promising to give the fighters education, training and employment if they surrendered within 60 days.
The group didn’t take the president up on his offer. Less than two months later, in late May, AlShabab claimed responsibility for killing at least 11 police officers with three roadside bombs on the Kenyan side of the Somali border. The militants’ message was clear: They were ready for war.
Al-Shabab, a group with ties to Al-Qaeda, has just overtaken Nigerian jihadis Boko Haram as the deadliest militant group in Africa. Al-Shabab—which means “the Youth” in Arabic—was responsible for 4,281 casualties in Africa in 2016, compared with 3,499 by Boko Haram and 2,350 by ISIS, according to data collected by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project and compiled by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, an institution affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense. (Historically, Boko Haram remains the most deadly group in Africa: It has killed 11,000 more people than Al-Shabab since 2010, according to the same data.)
This story is from the June 23 2017 edition of Newsweek.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 23 2017 edition of Newsweek.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The States Keeping Their Children Hungry
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer could help feed millions of children in households experiencing food insecurity, yet 13 states have declined to participate in the program
The Secret to Being an ADHD Whisperer
Loosening up and ceding control are some of the most important strategies for making life easier for a neurodiverse loved one
Fertility Clinics 2024
FOR THOSE LOOKING TO EXPAN D THEIR FAMILIES, FERTILITY CLINICS CAN BE A VITAL OPTION
'I AM ALWAYS IN THE MOMENT'
India's prime minister on his goals, his critics and his 'god-gifted' ability to listen
MODI'S MOMENT
INDIA'S LEADER is SHAPING the COUNTRY in his OWN ASSERTIVE IMAGE
Resurgence of Global Mayhem
While the world watches Gaza, ISIS is gaining strength and momentum, building networks and preparing for strikes worldwide
Is It Time to Leave Syria?
The U.S. is reportedly considering withdrawing from the country, with pressure from Damascus amid deepening unrest in the region. Is this the right move? Two experts weigh in
Chris Perfetti
IF YOU'RE ONE OF THE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS SINGING THE PRAISES of ABC's Abbott Elementary, fear not, they've heard you. \"We love to hear it,\" says Chris Perfetti, who plays Jacob Hill on the Emmy-winning sitcom about teachers at a Philadelphia public school.
Divine Intervention
POPE FRANCIS' PROGRESSIVE REPOSITIONING OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HAS CREATED BATTLE LINES BETWEEN ITS 1.3 BILLION FOLLOWERS, NO MORE SO THAN IN THE UNITED STATES
Who Rules Gaza When the Fighting Stops?
With no clear leader coming to the fore, questions remain about how the devastated territory will be managed