commentary

The Logic of Violence in Africa’s Extremist Insurgencies

Existing studies help explain how extremist insurgencies erupt and evolve, and why some countries are more affected than others. But there are still notable gaps in understanding the choices, tactics, and strategies of violent extremist groups.

by Anouar Boukhars

published by

Perspectives on Terrorism

on October 30, 2020

Source: Perspectives on Terrorism

Abstract

What factors explain the great variation in the target selection of VE groups in Africa? Some tend to focus their attacks mostly on official targets while others show a relative preference for civilians. Most, however, tend to typically change their target selection over time. This article demonstrates that the logic of violence in Africa’s fragile, conflict-prone states is driven by four factors: (1) The degree to which VE groups rely on local support to maintain the insurgency; (2) the dynamics of in-group/out-group differentiation and corresponding hostility; (3) inter-group rivalry and looming power shifts; and (4) the strategies of counterinsurgency employed by governments.

This article was originally published in Perspectives on Terrorism.