Somalia

Somalia is often cited as an example of state collapse and suffers from one of the lowest levels of development in the world. The country has long dealt with issues of regional separatism and continues to rely on international peacekeepers to protect against al-Shabaab and other armed groups. Though not as ethnically diverse as its neighbors, Somalia is pervaded by clan competition. Progress has been made in recent years toward peace, but stability is far from assured.

Content

In the News

Apr 7, 2015

Bruton on the History of al-Shabaab

By Bronwyn Bruton

Africa Center Deputy Director Bronwyn Bruton joins Voice of America to discuss the history of al-Shabaab and how its recent attack on Garissa University in Kenya demonstrates its evolution into a terrorist organization:

Somalia

In the News

Apr 7, 2015

Meservey: Terrorist Turf Wars

By Joshua Meservey

Africa Center Assistant Director Joshua Meservey writes for Foreign Affairs on the motivation behind al-Shabaab’s attack on Garissa University in Kenya:

East Africa Somalia

In the News

Apr 7, 2015

Pham on al-Shabaab and the Nigerian Elections

By J. Peter Pham

Africa Center Director J. Peter Pham joins Secure Freedom Radio to discuss al-Shabaab’s attack in Kenya and the results of Nigeria’s presidential election: Listen to the full interview here.

East Africa Nigeria

In the News

Apr 6, 2015

Pham on al-Shabaab’s Changing Dynamic

By J. Peter Pham

Breitbart quotes Africa Center Director J. Peter Pham on al-Shabaab’s changing dynamic after its attack on Garissa University in Kenya:

East Africa Somalia

In the News

Apr 6, 2015

Bruton: “Stopping al-Shabaab Is Going to Be Tough”

By Bronwyn Bruton

The New York Times quotes Africa Center Deputy Director Bronwyn Bruton on the motivation behind al-Shabaab’s attack on Garissa University in Kenya and what can be done to stop them:

East Africa Somalia

In the News

Apr 4, 2015

Pham: “Al-Shabaab is Not Defeated”

By J. Peter Pham

The Atlantic quotes Africa Center Director J. Peter Pham on why al-Shabaab’s attack on Garissa University in Kenya demonstrates its resilience despite recent losses:

East Africa Somalia

In the News

Apr 3, 2015

Pham on al-Shabaab’s Changing Strategy

By J. Peter Pham

The Washington Post quotes Africa Center Director J. Peter Pham on al-Shabaab’s changing strategy as a result of its recent attack on Garissa University in Kenya:

East Africa Somalia

In the News

Apr 3, 2015

Meservey on the al-Shabaab Attack in Kenya

By Joshua Meservey

Al Jazeera quotes Africa Center Assistant Director Joshua Meservey on the motivation behind al-Shabaab’s attack on Garissa University in Kenya:

East Africa Somalia

In the News

Apr 3, 2015

Bruton: Al-Shabaab Crosses the Rubicon

By Bronwyn Bruton

Africa Center Deputy Director Bronwyn Bruton writes for Foreign Policy on why al-Shabaab’s recent attack on Garissa University in Kenya represents a fundamental shift in the militant group’s strategy:

East Africa Somalia

New Atlanticist

Apr 2, 2015

University Attack Marks Al-Shabaab’s ‘Pivot’ to ISIS

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Atlantic Council’s Bruton says Somali terror group embracing more deadly tactics Al-Shabaab’s deadly April 2 assault against a Kenyan university—the country’s bloodiest attack in 17 years—is a sign that the Somali terrorist group is trying to pivot toward the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), said Atlantic Council analyst Bronywn Bruton. “A schoolyard massacre […]

East Africa Somalia

Experts