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Jihadists are on the rise across Africa––The U.S. and its allies must remain vigilant
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)
August 8, 2022
The Hill
…[T]he recent death of Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri [did not] end the terrorist threat. On the contrary, extremists continue to spread instability and chaos across the globe.
Al-Qaeda affiliates in Africa’s Sahel region pose some of the greatest dangers. In the past 15 years, groups like Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) have increased their attacks tenfold. Today they…are drawing ever closer to realizing their dreams of creating Islamic states rooted in Sharia law.
Al-Qaeda affiliates are particularly gaining ground in Mali, especially as France withdraws its forces in response to the military coup in Bamako. The jihadists are already turning the country into a launching pad for attacks throughout the region….
These groups’ goals aren’t limited to Africa. They are part of the same network responsible for killing thousands of Americans…. It is clear they intend to target the U.S. again—and with our southern border out of control due to the Biden Administration’s failures, they have a ready way to infiltrate our country.
That’s why we can’t afford to let Islamic extremists overtake Africa. Fortunately, Western forces are the most effective counter-terrorists on the continent…. We must continue to…[target jihadists groups].
In addition, the U.S. must address structural challenges and instabilities in Africa that breed extremism, including poverty and economic stagnation. Local governments also face a growing famine caused by Putin’s war on Ukraine…. Through effective and responsible foreign assistance, we can aid development and combat corruption….
The U.S. should [also] work closely with our European partners and encourage their further engagement. A united Western front will show resolve and increase our capacity to disrupt and defeat Al-Qaeda. It will also promote stability in Africa and reduce the risk of mass migration and refugee flows from the continent.
Further gains for African terrorists will mean terrible suffering…. The West must stay vigilant against this growing threat and work together to combat it.
Read the rest here.