Media and Terrorism in Africa: Al-Shabaab’s Evolution from Militant Group to Media Mogul

Alta Grobbelaar

Insight on Africa, 2023, vol. 15, issue 1, 7-22

Abstract: It is no surprise to come across information or video on social or mainstream media that was posted by a terrorist organisation like Al-Shabaab. In this regard, researchers have attempted to answer the question of what terrorist organisations aim to achieve by gaining a strong foothold in cyberspace. This article explores the evolution of Al-Shabaab in terms of their media usage and presence—from a local insurgency using magazines and radio stations, to what can be described as a media mogul in Africa. The author explores how and why this group chooses to pursue a strong cyber presence, and what, if anything, Africa and the international community can do about it.

Keywords: Africa; African affairs; developmental issues; foreign policies; media and politics; policy relevance; terrorism and political violence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:inafri:v:15:y:2023:i:1:p:7-22

DOI: 10.1177/09750878221114375

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