United States counterterrorism strategy in the Trans-Sahara and the rise of Salafi-Jihadism in the Sahel
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Authors
Andre, David M.
Subjects
Salafi-Jihadism
Sahel
Trans-Sahara
Boko Haram
Nigeria
MUJAO
Mali
AQIM
Mauritania
counterterrorism
terrorism
Ansar-al Dine
Sahel
Trans-Sahara
Boko Haram
Nigeria
MUJAO
Mali
AQIM
Mauritania
counterterrorism
terrorism
Ansar-al Dine
Advisors
Looney, Robert E.
Mabry, Tristan J.
Date of Issue
2015-09
Date
Sep-15
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
In the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, it became apparent to U.S. foreign policy makers that Northwest Africa was more than just a humanitarian concern. This realization led to the establishment of a multi-pronged, multi-year counterterrorism strategy in the Trans-Sahara region that incorporated diplomacy, development, and defense. Despite these unprecedented efforts, the Sahel sub-region has witnessed a steady rise in the presence of Salafi-Jihadist organizations since 2003. Furthermore, the states in the region remain incapable of defending against these organizations without significant outside assistance. This thesis examines the efficacy of U.S. counterterrorism strategy in the region vis-à-vis African states’ capacity to explain the persisting Salafi-Jihadist organizations in the region. Exploring Salafi-Jihadism’s ideological, doctrinal, and historical aspects illustrates that these organizations have limited interest in political solutions. The thesis uses Nigeria, Mali, and Mauritania as three case studies to examine the period between 2001 and 2014 to demonstrate how Salafi-Jihadism’s components have successfully exploited these states’ limited capacity, thereby undermining U.S. counterterrorism efforts. The thesis concludes by considering the impacts that these conclusions will have on future counterterrorism initiatives.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs
National Security Affairs
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.