FindingsĪl-Shabaab, Boko Haram and ISIL all use social media, albeit to varying degrees and levels of sophistication. This was complemented by Twitter analysis, which involved data crawling through targeted search queries, machine-based analysis of the resulting Twitter dataset, and research team interpretation of the results generated. The research team addressed the research questions through a mixed-methods approach based on a literature review and a programme of research interviews. What implications can be drawn for the improvement of existing programmes and design of future programmes aimed at countering online radicalisation?.Have existing counter-radicalisation interventions by African national governments and non-African government agencies: (i) Focused on preventing and responding to online radicalisation? (ii) Built innovative technological approaches into their design?.What trends can be observed in the use of social media in Africa to contribute to online radicalisation?.The study addresses three overarching research questions: With a focus on ISIL, al-Shabaab and Boko Haram – three of the most lethal Islamist militant groups worldwide – the analysis also looks at governmental efforts to address this problem and outlines recommendations for policy and programming. RAND Europe’s study examines the links between social media use and online radicalisation in seven African countries: Cameroon, Chad, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda. To this end the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) commissioned RAND Europe to explore social media use and online radicalisation in Africa as part of its ‘Regional Project on Preventing and Responding to Violent Extremism in Africa’. Less is known about online behaviours in Africa and the extent to which African national governmental strategies are addressing this issue. Much of the debate over the role of online activities in the radicalisation process has been focused on Western countries. Social media can equip terrorists with an operational tool to enlist, train, and communicate with their followers and potential recruits. Though the increased use of information and communication technology can support social, political and economic development, it may also expose people to the radicalising influence of violent extremist groups. The growth of the Internet and the spread of mobile phones have increased social media use in Africa. Our researchers examined the links between social media use and online radicalisation in six African countries, drawing on primary Twitter data analysis.
The spread of social media in Africa has brought many economic and political benefits, while also equipping terrorist groups with a tool for recruitment and propaganda.
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