The Sahel region of Africa is considered the „epicenter of global terrorism“ and now, for the first time, is responsible for more than half of all terrorism-related deaths, according to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI).
The latest report reveals that in this semi-arid area south of the Sahara Desert, 3,885 people out of a total of 7,555 worldwide died. The GTI report highlights that while global figures have decreased from a peak of 11,000 in 2015, the number for the Sahel has surged almost tenfold since 2019 as extremist and insurgent groups increasingly target the region.
Published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, a think-tank focused on researching global peace and conflict, the index defines terrorism as the use of illegal force and violence by non-state actors to achieve political, economic, religious, or social goals through fear, coercion, or intimidation.
The Sahel stretches from the west coast of Africa across the continent, including parts of 10 countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Cameroon, Guinea, The Gambia, Senegal, Nigeria, Chad, and Mauritania. With some of the highest birth rates globally and a population where nearly two-thirds are under 25, the region has seen a rapid expansion of militant jihadist groups, unlike the rise of lone actor terrorism in the West.
The report points out that most attacks in the Sahel are carried out by two main organizations: the Islamic State group affiliate in the Sahel and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) – a branch of al-Qaeda. These groups are competing for land and influence, and are attempting to introduce new legal orders based on Sharia law.
IS-Sahel has reportedly doubled its controlled territory in Mali since the country’s coups in 2020 and 2021, particularly in the eastern region bordering Burkina Faso and Niger, while JNIM continues to extend its reach. The report also highlights the recruitment of more fighters by these groups, including child soldiers in the case of IS.
Political instability and weak governance in the Sahel have created ideal conditions for insurgent groups to thrive, with conflict identified as the primary driver of terrorism. The region, often referred to as the „coup belt“ of Africa, has witnessed six successful coups since 2020, resulting in military juntas taking control of countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger.
The breakdown in state society in the Sahel has been exacerbated by years of neglect from political leaders, leading to a rise in terror groups leveraging local grievances. Despite military juntas taking over, insecurity has worsened in these countries, with Burkina Faso remaining the most affected by terrorism in 2024.
Jihadist groups in the Sahel sustain their operations through illicit economic activities like kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, and drug trafficking. Some groups avoid direct involvement in organized crime, instead making money through taxes or providing security in exchange for payment, which helps them integrate into local communities and strengthen their influence.
Insurgent groups are also competing for control of the Sahel’s abundant natural resources, such as uranium in Niger and unregulated artisanal gold mines throughout the region. Following the recent wave of coups, Sahel governments have shifted towards seeking support from China and Russia in combating militants, moving away from traditional Western allies like France and the US. Ihre Arbeit besteht darin, die lokalen Armeen auszubilden und zu unterstützen, um in der Lage zu sein, der Aufständischen in der Region entgegenzuwirken, aber bisher war es nicht effektiv. Als Folge warnt der GTI-Bericht davor, dass es jetzt ein Risiko für ein Überschwappen über das sogenannte „Epizentrum des Terrors“ hinaus in benachbarte Länder gibt. Tatsächlich heißt es, dass dies bereits geschehen könnte – Togo verzeichnete 10 Angriffe und 52 Todesfälle im Jahr 2024, die meisten seit Beginn des Index. Diese konzentrierten sich hauptsächlich entlang der Grenze des Landes zu Burkina Faso. Frau Ochieng stimmt dieser Einschätzung zu und sagt, dass „die Ausweitung militanten Gruppen in der Region in Ländern wie Benin oder Togo oder anderen Küstenstaaten Westafrikas scheint unmittelbar bevorzustehen“. Du könntest auch interessiert sein an: Gehe zu BBCAfrica.com für weitere Nachrichten aus dem afrikanischen Kontinent. Folge uns auf Twitter @BBCAfrica, auf Facebook unter BBC Africa oder auf Instagram unter bbcafrica. BBC Africa Podcasts.