Overview of religious radicalism and the terrorist threat in Senegal

The transnational character of actors, the porosity of borders and the shrinking of distances by modern communication technologies seem to favour the spread of the Jihadist phenomenon in West Africa.

A new security dynamic has been induced in West Africa and beyond with the stepping-up of military action in the Malian conflict since the launch of France's Operation Serval on 11 January 2013, the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) and preparations for the establishment of a UN mission.

On the battlefield of the Sahel-Saharan countries, troops contributed by states that support military intervention are now exposed to threats of various kinds. This raises concerns in religious, political and security circles. In many countries in the sub-region, questions are being asked about the readiness of security services and forces to deal with terrorist threats and the possible connections between the 'international jihad movement' which has taken root in the Sahel and dormant cells in different countries.

In this context, one can legitimately ask whether Senegal is directly threatened or could become a theater of operation or a rear base for terrorists. Consider that Senegal borders Mali, is a largely Muslim country with supporters of various schools of Islam such as Salafis and Wahhabis, and is a troop contributor to AFISMA. This report reflects in particular on whether radical religious movements in Senegal exist and could undertake violent actions in light of the regional context and unforeseeable circumstances.

Authors: Bakary Sambe and Djibril Ba