Taliban takeover from Afghanistan and the next western troop withdrawal was closely monitored in many African capitals – and by the Islamic rebels on the continent.
The shift of power comes at a critical point for what is called a war on terror for the governments of countries such as Somalia, Mali, Mozambique and Nigeria, and Western forces that support them.
Media outlets related to Somali Al-Shabab militant group wrote “God’s great” Takeover news. Meanwhile, the leader of the Jama’at Nasal-Islam Wal-Islam Wal-Muslimin (JNIM) (JNIM) (JNIM) (JNIM) Draw a comparison between US withdrawal from Afghanistan and withdrawal of the presence of the French military in the West African Sahel region.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced in July that the presence of a strong 5,000 troops in Sahel – known as the Barkhane operation – will end in the first quarter of 2022. Although placing the timeline at the end of the main military operation, Macron insisted that France insisted that France did not fully withdrew from the former colonial area.
The spread of France began in 2013 as Paris tried to stop the progress of jihadist groups in Mali, but extremist groups continued to bring havoc in the civilian population in Sahel conflict.
The A.S. And other European countries also began to withdraw from Sahel and other hotspots before the fall of the Afghan government. According to the World Food Program, around 4.6 million people have been transferred in Sahel as a result of what is called the builder (UN refugee body) “intense and most indiscriminately command by armed actors against civilians.”
Now, experts suggest that the Taliban victory in Afghanistan can inspire militant groups in the region, change the direction of international coordination efforts to combat terrorism.
Psychological impulse, but local battle
“The strength of the US, France and Europe will slow down the withdrawal of planned troops from the Sahel region and other hotspots for insecurity and militancy, and even increase the spread in several regions,” Robert Besseling, CEO of political risk consulting, said in a special report on the month then.
“Meanwhile, non-traditional military partners, are pioneered by Russia, China, and several Middle Eastern countries, increasing involvement in the continent.”
Alex Vines, Director of the African Program at Chatham House, told CNBC that while developments in Afghanistan have offered “psychological encouragement” to jihadist organizations, fragmentation among these militant groups and regional nature of conflict, meaning the real benefits that are difficult to assess.
“Look at training and recruitment. At present, most jihad groups in Africa are mostly about Africa. Not too many foreign pilgrims who come from other places,” he said.
Chatham’s house assessed the origin of militants in Mozambique rebel groups and found that the majority came from Tanzania, Comoros, Burundi, Congo Democratic Republic and the entire region, vines.
Social and political problems are often exploited by jihad groups to encourage recruitment including high unemployment, endemic impunity and corruption felt.
“While the presence of additional SOF [special operating forces] personnel as a forefront mentor tends to function as a multi-style forces for regional security forces, contributing to further tactical success, it will not discuss this strategic deficit,” added this report.
Vines suggested that France’s surgery would likely sharpen their focus to target Jihadi Kingpin, while A.S. The presence on the continent will remain focused on the decline in the influence of Russia and China.
“The last thing the Americans want is Russian-related priography into Mali and expose multilateral and bilateral efforts because it does not produce anything,” he said.
