Africa’s fight against Islamic extremism

Islam has been peacefully practiced in sub-Saharan Africa for centuries in places like Senegal and Sudan. But in the past few decades, extreme versions of the religion have been penetrating the continent, often filling the void of weak governmental authorities.

In this episode of America Abroad, we explore the historical role of Islam in Africa, how Islamist groups have taken hold in parts of it, and what's being done to resist them; We hear from people on the ground in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda; And we learn about the role of Middle Eastern countries in exporting more radical forms of Islam to sub-Saharan Africa through mosques and madrasas.  

Guests include:

Mohamed Abubakr: Sudanese human and civil rights activist 

Amb. Johnnie Carson: Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs

Amb. Phillip Carter: Former United States Ambassador to Ivory Coast and Guinea

Jennifer Cooke: Director of Africa Program, Center for Strategic International Studies

Mamadou Diouf: Director, Institute for African Studies, Columbia University

Corinne Dufka: Associate Director, West Africa, Human Rights Watch

Arukaino Umukoro: Senior Correspondent, PUNCH Newspaper, Nigeria

Chai Vasarhelyi: Director of "Touba", SXSW Special Jury Prize Winner for Best Cinematography

Rudolph Butch Ware: Associate Professor of History, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor