Igniting Instability: Al Qaeda's Inroads into Africa

With their presence threatened in what was once a safe haven, al Qaeda leaders, cells, and attacks are moving to northern and eastern Africa. Al Qaeda's penetration into Africa affects not only those countries in which it has already gained a strong foothold, but also those countries marked by instability and inadequate law enforcement. Al Qaeda's presence in failed or failing states allows it to both operate with ease and influence increasingly unstable political environments. Unable or unwilling to respond to this threat, African governments will likely accomplish little in fighting al Qaeda's efforts. Until the US and Western nations find a viable solution to halt the continent's growing al Qaeda movement, terrorism in Africa may grow into a larger, eventually uncontainable threat.