Credibility deficit curbs North Africa jihadism battle

Subject

The ideological battle in North Africa

Significance

Egypt's government announced on December 1 that it is revoking the licenses of all independent religious institutions not administered by the government or the quasi-governmental al-Azhar religious institution. It has also moved to close 86 religious institutions it described as "terrorism hubs". Mosques are a key battleground in the clash over Islamic ideology in North Africa.

Impacts

• Closing mosques will encourage people to gather in informal religious spaces, which are more difficult to monitor.
• Government efforts to control religious discourse will be a defining challenge for the next generation.
• Attempts to close mosques could trigger local protests by imam syndicates and worshippers.