The Resurgence of Al-Qaeda in Africa through Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM): Unpacking the Drivers of Expansion in the Sahel

Security entanglements, rooted radical movements have long afflicted the serenity of the Sahel region of Africa. The renponse of regional countries to such terrorist attacked often fails due to various factors. What has also been overloked the sources and factors which push radicalistion in the regions. This study aims to examine the expansion dynamics of al-Qaeda in the African continent by adapting them to the push and pull theory in the context of radicalization process. Al-Qaeda, for some it was maladaptive to the Continent, has begun to establish its presence in the Sahel region, leveraging its ideology and operational experience, following its loss of ground primarily in Afghanistan, as well as in Iraq and Syria. Attempting to capitalize on both its historical roots and the structural and chronic problems plaguing the region, Al-Qaeda has initiated a process of expansion and entrenchment by engaging with local elements. During this process, JNIM, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group operating in the Sahel region, has emerged as al-Qaeda's most significant regional partner. However, despite of JNIM’s affiliation with Sufi traditions such as Tijaniyya presents, the member of JNIM’s sympathy and engagement to Al-Qaeda, which is a Salafi ideology that oppose Sufi line, persist a paradoxial dynamics of the issue. The research critically analyzes the motivations underlying the strategy of JNIM, as it expands its influence in the area. It also examines al-Qaeda's expansion in the Sahel region, concludes that the organization's growth has been accelerated by factors such as the border policies implemented during the colonial and neo-colonial periods, power struggles among tribes, the divergence between traditional and central authorities, climate and economic-based issues, and external interventions. Religious justifications, as elements of motivation, have been found to play a relatively secondary role.