Publication

Based on field research in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, this publication examines Al-Shabaab’s expansion beyond Somalia and the aftermath of the group's 2013 attack on the Westgate Mall in Nairobi. Key insights include 1) that Al-Shabaab appears committed to striking targets across East Africa; 2) Al-Shabaab aims to pressure regional governments to withdraw troops from Somalia, where an African Union mission has been battling the militants since 2007; 3) East African states should eschew heavy-handed crackdowns and work instead to reduce its appeal to potential recruits; and more. The report concludes with policy lessons from the three states’ experiences in dealing with the menace presented by Al-Shabaab.