Africa's Islamist militants 'co-ordinate efforts'

Three of Africa's largest militant Islamist groups are trying to co-ordinate their efforts, the head of the US Africa Command has warned.

Gen Carter Ham said in particular North African al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) was probably sharing explosives and funds with Nigeria's Boko Haram.
Speaking in Washington, he said the separatist movement in northern Mali had provided AQIM with a "safe haven".
Somalia's al-Shabab was the other "most dangerous" group, he said.

Gen Ham is commander of the US Africa Command (Africom) which, from its headquarters in Germany, co-ordinates US military activity across the continent.

This includes direct action, varying from the use of drones against al-Shabab Islamists in Somalia to the training of African armies in various countries. Continue