Briefing Paper

Africa and the Growth of Violent Radicalization in the Name of Islam: The Need for a Doctrine Revision Approach

“The fourth Tana Forum focused on the topic of Secularism and Politicized Faith. The Forum was preceded two weeks earlier by the horrific massacre of university students in Kenya by violent Muslim radicals and ended just when innocent Ethiopian workers in Libya were slaughtered by ISIL terrorists. It then has been followed in the last few weeks by more violent terrorist attacks. The continuation of violence in the name of Islam in Africa and beyond confirms the urgency to develop policies and actions to counter the waves of terror and to restore peace and security on the continent. This task will require a deeper and focused understanding of the drive of those who commit such acts of terror.”