Khotso, having followed the happenings in parliament in the last two weeks regarding the unfounded claims of the radicalization of Basotho youth in Islam, I was moved enough to explore this topic in a larger context. Here is my analysis.
Islamophobia, the irrational fear, hatred, or prejudice against Islam and Muslims, manifests globally in various forms, from systemic discrimination to violent hate crimes. In Africa, a continent marked by religious diversity and complex socio-political histories, Islamophobia intersects with colonial legacies, ethnic tensions, and modern geopolitical dynamics. This article explores the roots, manifestations, and consequences of Islamophobia in Africa, highlighting case studies and efforts to foster tolerance. I am surprised that this is manifest in Lesotho having grown up here as a Mosotho Muslim.
Historical Context
Pre-colonial Africa was home to diverse religious practices, including indigenous faiths, Christianity, and Islam, which spread through trade and Sufi orders. Colonial powers exploited religious differences to divide communities, cementing divisions that persist today. Post-independence, African nations grappled with integrating multi-religious identities, often leading to politicized religious divides. The Cold War and post-9/11 “War on Terror” further entrenched stereotypes, framing Muslims as security threats.
Case Studies: Islamophobia Across Africa
- Nigeria: Boko Haram and Sectarian Divides
Nigeria’s north-south divide, with a Muslim majority in the north and Christian south, has been exacerbated by Boko Haram’s insurgency. The group’s atrocities (e.g., Chibok kidnappings) have led to the stigmatization of northern Muslims, despite widespread Muslim opposition to extremism. Government counter-terrorism campaigns, often heavy-handed, disproportionately affect Muslim communities, fueling resentment and cycles of violence.
- Central African Republic (CAR): Religious Civil War
CAR’s 2013 civil war saw the Muslim-majority Seleka rebels clash with Christian anti-Balaka militias. Anti-Muslim violence led to mass displacement and a humanitarian crisis, with mosques destroyed and Muslim communities expelled. International peacekeeping efforts have struggled to reconcile deeply fractured communities.
- Kenya: Al-Shabaab and Somali Marginalization
Kenya’s intervention in Somalia (2011) triggered retaliatory attacks by Al-Shabaab. Somali-Kenyan Muslims face systemic discrimination, including arbitrary arrests and police brutality under counter-terrorism laws. Urban areas like Nairobi’s Eastleigh district endure frequent security raids, perpetuating stereotypes of Muslims as “internal enemies.”
- Ethiopia: State Repression and Muslim Protests
Ethiopia’s Muslim community (34% of the population) has protested government interference in religious affairs since 2012. Security forces responded with arrests and media blackouts, framing dissent as extremism. This repression underscores how state policies can institutionalize Islamophobia.
- South Africa: Global Influences on Local Prejudice
South Africa’s Muslim minority (2%) faces rising hate crimes linked to global Islamophobia, such as mosque vandalism and far-right rhetoric. Groups like the “Pagemaster” network spread anti-Muslim conspiracies online, mirroring trends in Europe and North America.
Contributing Factors
– Extremist Groups and Stereotyping: Groups like Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab distort Islamic teachings, feeding into broad-brush associations between Islam and violence.
– Media and Misinformation: Sensationalist media coverage amplifies fear, while social media spreads anti-Muslim rhetoric.
– Political Manipulation: Politicians exploit religious identities to mobilize voters or divert attention from governance failures.
– Global Counter-Terrorism Policies: Western-backed security initiatives often target Muslim communities, legitimizing profiling.
Consequences of Islamophobia
– Human Rights Violations: Arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, and restricted religious freedoms.
– Social Fragmentation: Erosion of interfaith trust, particularly in multi-religious nations like Nigeria and CAR.
– Economic Marginalization: Muslim minorities face barriers to employment and education, exacerbating poverty.
Combating Islamophobia: Pathways to Tolerance
- Interfaith Initiatives: Organizations like the Inter-Religious Council of Nigeria mediate conflicts and promote dialogue.
- Policy Reforms: Governments must repeal discriminatory laws and ensure equitable security policies.
- Education: Curricula emphasizing religious diversity can counteract stereotypes from a young age.
- Grassroots Movements: Local NGOs, such as Kenya’s Muslims for Human Rights, advocate for justice and document abuses.
Islamophobia in Africa is neither monolithic nor inevitable. While colonial histories and modern crises contribute to prejudice, the continent also offers models of resilience, such as Senegal’s tradition of Sufi tolerance. Addressing Islamophobia requires context-specific solutions that prioritize human rights, inclusive governance, and community-led reconciliation. As Africa navigates globalization and internal strife, fostering religious pluralism remains essential to its collective future.
There has been a healthy coexistence between all faiths in Lesotho and the Muslim community has had a presence in all districts in Lesotho. The politicization of religion s never a smart angle for a country and it’s citizenry. As Basotho, let’s never go there. As-Salam alaikum wa ragmatullahi wa barakathu.
KHOTSO. PULA. NALA.
BY ABUBACAR JABBIE