Al-Qaida and IS-linked violence in Africa’s Sahel belt set to hit record levels this year
Twenty-five years after 9/11, figures compiled by conflict monitor underline how Sahel region has become centre of Islamist terror
June 2026
Inside the Guardian
‘They didn’t know or care, or wouldn’t say’: how we investigated the casualties of a covert US war
When a large number of children were killed during a US drone strike in Somalia last year, two reporters collaborated to piece together what happened
Rights and freedom
Killed walking home from school: why did Somali children become targets of US drone strikes?
Six months ago, at least 12 people, including eight children, died during a US attack. The US has never admitted the civilian deaths. Here, the Guardian pieces together what happened that day
Drought and floods drove them from their homes. But the hunger followed them
More than 6.5 million Somalis have been pushed to the brink of severe hunger as the climate crisis, fighting and cuts in aid leave a trail of despair
October 2025
‘The fear was immense’: al-Shabaab exploits fragmented politics to reclaim land in Somalia
With Islamist militant group 40km from Mogadishu, a ‘strategic stalemate’ has been reached, but some fear worst is yet to come
February 2025
Rights and freedom
The secret bond that helped two captive women survive Mozambique’s Islamists
Barely known to each other before they were abducted by the brutal al-Shabaab militants, a friendship forged in adversity helped them and their children find safety
December 2024
UN authorises new mission against al-Shabaab in Somalia
Resolution allows deployment of 12,626 personnel – but it is unclear if Ethiopia will stay part of peacekeeping force amid territory dispute
September 2024
Fresh Egypt arms shipment to Somalia raises regional tensions
How we survive
‘They’d ask me: “Do you want to die today?”’ How I was kidnapped by pirates – and rescued by US Navy Seals
August 2024
At least 37 killed in terrorist attack on popular Mogadishu beach
More than 200 wounded after suicide bomber and gunmen target busy beachfront in Somali capital
January 2024
Al-Shabaab militants seize UN helicopter killing one and abducting five
Al-Shabaab fighters attack after aircraft carrying medical professionals and soldiers lands in their territory
December 2023
US and Somali forces kill al-Shabaab commander with $10m bounty on head
Maalim Ayman was wanted over attack on airbase in Kenya in 2020 in which three Americans died
October 2023
Al-Qaida and IS call on followers to strike Israeli, US and Jewish targets
Israeli military offensive in Gaza offers opportunity to extremist groups in west and Middle East, experts say
June 2023
Nine people killed in attack by al-Shabaab in Somali capital Mogadishu
Islamist militants claim responsibility for blast at popular restaurant on Friday night that injured 20 people
Uganda says 54 African Union peacekeepers killed in Somalia by al-Shabaab militants
Death toll one of heaviest since pro-government forces launched offensive against jihadists last August
The EU pays Africa’s brutal militias to lock up migrants. Britain wants to follow suit
Kenan Malik
Torture, rape and death are the results of a policy to keep desperate people away from Europe
February 2023
Tens of thousands of refugees flee from Somaliland clashes
Somalis arrive in Ethiopia from disputed town of Las Anod, where at least 82 people have died in fighting
Rights abuses often ‘tipping point’ for extremist recruitment, UN study finds
Quality education and exposure to different cultures identified as key preventive factors in African survey
Inside Villa Somalia: 72 hours with the president of ‘the most dangerous country in the world’
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says the county’s factions can find peace, political Islam need not be violent and democracy can grow. Here’s his exclusive interview with the Observer
December 2022
‘He was brainwashed’: young men are disappearing from Zanzibar. Are extremists to blame?
At least 20 men have gone missing from the island since August. But a culture of concealment around terrorism means families have been left to guess at their fate
Rights and freedomKilled walking home from school: why did Somali children become targets of US drone strikes?Six months ago, at least 12 people, including eight children, died during a US attack. The US has never admitted the civilian deaths. Here, the Guardian pieces together what happened that day
