Radicalization Processes in the Sahel and the Trajectory of Militant Islamist Movements in Mali (2012-2018)

This paper traces the trajectory of the various Islamist movements in Mali since the outbreak of the crisis in 2012. The paper challenges the monocausal explanations of terrorism that present religion, and in particular Islam, as its main cause. Instead the paper will provide a focus on the local context to highlight multiple cleavages. The historical context provides the background to understand tensions and rivalries within various interpretations of Islam in Mali, between so-called moderate/traditionalists, reformist and salafi jihadists. In addition, the analysis of intra-ethnic, as well as inter-ethnic rivalries in relation to the Sahel-Saharan political economy will be key to understanding the volatile pattern of alliance formation and patterns of amity and enmity that seem counter-intuitive at first glance. Finally, both the state and external actors’ responses have reconfigured the Malian political and religious landscape. Mali is still characterized by divergent political orders in the making that defy the state and perpetuate violent extremism in the region.