
Islamism in Africa
The recent attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi underscored the dangers posed by extremist groups in Libya. But these risks extend beyond Libya, with the rise of jihadist organizations like al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Ansar Dine, and Boko Haram. This month America Abroad takes listeners to Mali, Nigeria, Libya and Kenya to explore Islamism in Africa.
Produced by Hilary Heuler, Katarina Höije, Sam Olukoya, Martha Little and A.C. Valdez, with additional production by Flawn Williams/ Web Producer: Philippa Levenberg / Images courtesy of Adama Diarra, Tony Onwuemene, Mohammad Hannon/AP and huguesn via Flickr Creative Commons / Host: Tess Vigeland / Length: 51 minutes
David Ottaway, senior scholar at the Wilson Center, and Bruce Riedel, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, explain the history of al Qaeda's expansion in the Middle East and Africa through the establishment of local affiliates.

In northern Mali, Islamist groups have implemented strict Sharia law, causing thousands to flee south to the capital of Bamako. But Malians are slowly beginning to return north, encouraged by better job prospects and a cheaper cost of living. Katarina Höije reports.
