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Significance
The principal armed militant groups are aligned with al-Qaida or Islamic State. However, Islam plays a wider role in societies from Senegal to Chad and is a cornerstone of family values and cultural and social attitudes and organisation.
Impacts
In Senegal and Mali, religious leaders exert political influence, although most now avoid partisan alignment, which could undermine them.
Some religious leaders believe jihadist groups might be drawn into peace talks, but there is little sign of impending dialogue.
Islamic law is a force for community cohesion in societies under pressure from climate change, poverty and instability.
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2022
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