Publication

This interview-based study answers a simple question: Why did 88 former al-Shabaab fighters join the terrorist organization in the first place? The unsurprising answers include religious motives, socio-economic circumstances, political factors, and a need for shared belonging. After elaborating on these various 'triggers', the paper closes by recommending different ways that the Somali government, countries in the region and international organizations and donors might counter al-Shabaab's appeal.