By Dr. Jonathan N. C. Hill, *Sufism in Northern Nigeria: A Force for Counter-Radicalization?* - Strategic Studies Institute - Carlisle, PA, USAMonday, May 17, 2010
Sufism in Northern Nigeria: A Force for Counter-Radicalization
Brief Synopsis
In light of the ongoing threats issued by al-Qaeda (AQ) against the United States and its allies, the need to prevent the radicalization of young Muslim men and women remains as pressing as ever, and perhaps nowhere is this task more urgent than in the countries of West Africa.
The global expanse of the ongoing war on terror places these territories in the frontline. With large Muslim populations that have hitherto remained mostly impervious to the advances of Islamism, the challenge now confronting the Nigerian government and the international community is ensuring that this remains the case. But in recent months, Islamist groups have been highly active in the region.
The aim of this monograph is to assess the potential of Nigeria’s Sufi Brotherhoods to act, both individually and collectively, as a force for counter-radicalization, to prevent young people from joining Islamist groups.
The global expanse of the ongoing war on terror places these territories in the frontline. With large Muslim populations that have hitherto remained mostly impervious to the advances of Islamism, the challenge now confronting the Nigerian government and the international community is ensuring that this remains the case. But in recent months, Islamist groups have been highly active in the region.
The aim of this monograph is to assess the potential of Nigeria’s Sufi Brotherhoods to act, both individually and collectively, as a force for counter-radicalization, to prevent young people from joining Islamist groups.
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan N. C. Hill is a lecturer in the Defence Studies Department at King’s College, London, United Kingdom, based at the Joint Services Command and Staff College. He has provided academic support to both the British Peace Support Team (BPST) in South Africa and the British Defence Advisory Team (BDAT) in Nigeria.
Dr. Hill has published widely on issues of African security. His most recent book, Identity in Algerian Politics: The Legacy of Colonial Rule, was released by Lynne Rienner Publishers in June 2009. He is currently working on a new book, a clutch of articles on Algeria and Nigeria.
Dr. Hill holds a Ph.D. in postcolonial politics from the University of Wales, Aberystywth, United Kingdom.
Dr. Hill has published widely on issues of African security. His most recent book, Identity in Algerian Politics: The Legacy of Colonial Rule, was released by Lynne Rienner Publishers in June 2009. He is currently working on a new book, a clutch of articles on Algeria and Nigeria.
Dr. Hill holds a Ph.D. in postcolonial politics from the University of Wales, Aberystywth, United Kingdom.
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