ABSTRACT

A violent extremist group poses a significant threat to parts of Cabo Delgado province. Since its first major attack in October 2017, it has perpetuated a conflict to the detriment of sections of the population and government, as well as disrupting economic development. Little is known about the group and there is a considerable amount of confusion in policymaking and academic circles about the nature of the violent extremists (VE) and their relationship to the wider global Salafi-Jihadi community. By analysing the theological underpinnings of VE and their action in Cabo Delgado (CD), we bring clarity to this debate to enable international actors and policymakers in Mozambique navigate the complexities of the situation. From this analysis we conclude the following: VE are not Salafi-Jihadis as they do not share their ideological and theological understanding of the world. It is more accurate to present VE as challengers to the established order. Their struggle is best understood as a challenge to authorities to secure increased political and religious representation, and socio-economic benefits in CD.

摘要

一个暴力极端组织对德尔加杜角省部分地区构成重大威胁。自 2017 年 10 月第一次重大袭击以来，它一直在延续冲突，损害部分人口和政府，并扰乱经济发展。对该组织知之甚少，政策制定和学术界对暴力极端分子 (VE) 的性质及其与更广泛的全球萨拉菲圣战组织的关系存在相当大的困惑。通过分析 VE 的神学基础及其在德尔加杜角 (CD) 的行动，我们使这场辩论变得清晰，使莫桑比克的国际行为者和政策制定者能够驾驭局势的复杂性。通过该分析，我们得出以下结论：VE 不是萨拉菲圣战分子，因为他们不分享他们对世界的意识形态和神学理解。将 VE 描述为既定秩序的挑战者更为准确。他们的斗争最好被理解为对当局的挑战，以确保在 CD 中增加政治和宗教代表性以及社会经济利益。