Open figure viewer
Significance
Adherence to Shiism remains relatively small-scale in West Africa, though numbers are difficult to pin down, and al-Zakzaky is not the only prominent Shia leader in the region.
Impacts
Al-Zakzaky’s Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) could benefit from its vocal defence of the Palestinian cause.
Outside of Nigeria, where the IMN has a tense relationship with authorities, the potential for Shia militancy in West Africa is low.
Persecution of Shia outside of Nigeria will likely be limited.
© Oxford Analytica 2024. All rights reserved. This content contains general information about geopolitical, macroeconomic and social developments or (where stated) other matters. It does not contain advice or recommendations that may be relied on. Where links to external websites are provided, this does not indicate that Oxford Analytica or Emerald agree with, endorse or have checked for accuracy the contents of said sites.
2024
You do not currently have access to this content.
