Policy makers, diplomats, and commentators in the secular West often fail to take into account the profound influence of religious leaders in sub-Saharan Africa, whether among Christians, Muslims, or adherents of traditional religions. Heaven, hell, and what secularists regard as magic are literal realities, more immediate than government policy or the pronouncements of political leaders. What the preacher says is more credible than the utterances of politicians.

Welcome to “Women Around the World: This Week,” a series that highlights noteworthy news related to women and U.S. foreign policy. This week’s post, covering June 21 to June 28, was compiled by Mallo…

In June 2018, the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) leader, Abu Mus’ab al-Barnawi, released a history of his jihadist movement. In 2017, the Ansaru leader, under the pseudonym Abu Usama al-Ansari, also released his own history, while Abubakar Shekau released a book in the name of the Boko Haram faction he currently leads.

This update represents violence in Nigeria and related to Boko Haram in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger from October 30 to November 5, 2021.

This update represents violence in Nigeria and related to Boko Haram in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger from December 4 to December 10, 2021.