Jihad in Mali: the Holy War of Amadou Koufa
For decades, civil war and religious conflict have decimated African countries. Peter Chilson discussed a new jihadist leader, Amadou Koufa, in Mali whose goals differ from typical terrorist organizations, and who desires to revive the 19th century caliphate.
Mali struggles from widespread unemployment as well as lack of resources. The astonishingly young population, around 48% under the age of 15, faces an unsure and forlorn future. Amadou Koufa, a radical preacher from the town of Konna, has utilized the desperation of the Mali population in order to stock his movement with soldiers. Even as Koufa’s whereabouts are questioned– footage of appearances have been controversial as his death was declared by the French after an air raid– he still remains a figure head for the Macina Liberation Front. The lively discussion Professor Chilson lead prompted student, faculty, and community members to ask what views these jihadist fighters have on colonial, western government systems as well as inquiries into the future of the state of Mali. If Koufa’s infamous words of aggression stand true, “Mali est mort,” Mali is dead.
Peter Chilson is a professor of English at WSU. Chilson has visited several countries throughout Africa and witnessed the brutal effects of civil wars. He has written several books including Riding the Demon: On the Road in West Africa and an ebook, We Never Knew Exactly Where: Dispatches from the Lost Country of Mali (Foreign Policy, 2013).
Contributor: Shantara Pintak