Sahel: The New Epicenter of Global Terrorism
The Sahel region, a semi-arid stretch across West and Central Africa, is now recognized as the epicenter of global terrorism. For the first time in history, this region accounts for more than half of all global terrorism-related deaths, according to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI). The report highlights a staggering figure of 3,885 deaths in the Sahel out of the global total of 7,555 terrorism-related fatalities. The increasing violence in this area poses significant challenges not only to the countries within the Sahel but also to international stability.
This increase in terrorism deaths comes at a time when the global death toll from terrorism has been on a decline since its peak in 2015, which reached over 11,000 fatalities. However, the Sahel has experienced a nearly tenfold increase in terrorism-related deaths since 2019, signaling a dangerous trend. These developments are largely driven by insurgent and extremist groups that have expanded their focus and operations into the region. The GTI report underscores the severity of the situation, which has become one of the most pressing concerns for global peace and security.
The Sahel is home to some of the highest birth rates in the world, with nearly two-thirds of the population under the age of 25. This demographic, combined with political instability and poor governance, creates fertile ground for violent extremism. Unlike in Western countries, where lone-wolf terrorism has become more common, the Sahel has seen the rapid expansion of militant jihadist groups. The region’s security dynamics have worsened, and terrorism remains one of the leading causes of instability.
The Rise of Jihadist Groups in the Sahel
Most of the attacks in the Sahel are attributed to two key jihadist organizations: the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), which is linked to al-Qaeda. These groups are not only fighting each other for territorial control but also seeking to impose their version of justice, often based on an extremist interpretation of Sharia law. This deadly competition between groups has led to a dramatic increase in violence, resulting in thousands of deaths.
The expansion of ISGS has been particularly concerning. Since the coups in Mali in 2020 and 2021, the group has reportedly doubled the amount of territory it controls, especially in the eastern regions near the borders of Burkina Faso and Niger. JNIM, another significant player in the region, continues to gain ground and recruit fighters, including child soldiers. Both groups utilize a range of tactics, from brutal killings to widespread terror, to consolidate their control over local populations and resources.
The involvement of local militias and the widespread instability resulting from weak governance have allowed these insurgent groups to thrive. As more people are displaced, they find themselves without the means to defend against militant groups. Vulnerable communities often have few options but to join these groups, lured by promises of power, protection, or survival. The situation is further exacerbated by the growing number of child soldiers being recruited, some of whom are forcibly conscripted into militant activities.
The Impact of Political Instability in the Sahel
Political instability is one of the primary drivers of terrorism in the Sahel. The region has witnessed a series of coups since 2020, with military juntas taking over governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger. These coups have fueled a breakdown of state structures, leaving the region vulnerable to violent extremist groups. While these juntas promised to bring stability and security, the reality has been far from what the people expected.
The Sahel is often referred to as the “coup belt” of Africa, a term that underscores the growing trend of military takeovers. Despite these new regimes, the security situation has only worsened. The junta governments, although they may have the support of some local populations, lack the necessary expertise and resources to effectively govern or combat insurgency. The failure of civilian governments to address the root causes of conflict—such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and ethnic tensions—has created a vacuum that insurgent groups have eagerly filled.
Furthermore, these political transitions have shifted alliances within the region. With Western powers such as France and the United States struggling to contain the growing extremism, some Sahelian governments have turned to Russia and China for military and economic support. This geopolitical shift has led to the involvement of Russian paramilitaries, such as the Wagner Group, in counterterrorism efforts. However, there are concerns that the involvement of foreign actors has not been effective in reducing the violence in the region.
Terrorism and the Economy: A Vicious Cycle
The Sahel’s economic landscape is also deeply intertwined with the rise of terrorism. Militant groups in the region fund their operations through a variety of illicit activities, including kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, and, increasingly, drug trafficking. The region has become a key transit point for cocaine trafficking from South America to Europe, with terrorist groups leveraging this illegal trade to finance their operations.
Drug trafficking has become one of the most lucrative sources of revenue for jihadist groups in the Sahel. While some militant groups prefer to engage in organized crime directly, others have chosen a more indirect approach. These groups often impose “taxes” on local populations or provide “protection” services in exchange for payments. This model allows them to integrate into local communities, further strengthening their hold over the population and extending their influence. The economic gains derived from these activities enable the terrorist organizations to continue their operations and expand their territorial control.
In addition to the financial aspects, control over natural resources is another key motivator for these groups. The Sahel is rich in resources such as uranium and gold, and both ISGS and JNIM have been involved in exploiting these valuable commodities. In Niger, which is one of the world’s top uranium producers, militant groups have taken advantage of unregulated gold mining operations, further consolidating their power over the region. The competition for control over these resources has intensified the conflict, making the situation even more dire.
The Global Response and the Future of the Sahel
As the situation in the Sahel continues to deteriorate, the international community faces a tough challenge in addressing the escalating violence. While countries in the region have increasingly turned to Russia and China for assistance, the effectiveness of this shift remains uncertain. The Wagner Group’s presence in the region has sparked concerns about the long-term impact of foreign paramilitaries, who are often more interested in securing their own geopolitical interests than in stabilizing the region.
The GTI report also warns that the violence in the Sahel may spread beyond the region. Neighboring countries, such as Togo, have already seen a significant rise in terrorism-related deaths, and other West African states may soon face similar challenges. The expansion of militant groups into coastal West African countries like Benin and Togo represents an imminent threat to regional stability. The spread of extremism from the Sahel into these neighboring areas could have devastating consequences for both local populations and the broader international community.
To prevent further destabilization, the international community must prioritize a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the military aspects of the conflict but also the underlying socio-economic and political issues. The lack of effective governance, rampant corruption, and the absence of opportunities for the region’s youth must be addressed to mitigate the appeal of extremist ideologies. Without a long-term strategy to address these root causes, the violence in the Sahel is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
The Sahel region’s struggle with terrorism is one of the most pressing global issues of our time. As extremist groups continue to gain ground and local governments remain ineffective, the situation is set to worsen. The rise of jihadist insurgencies, coupled with the challenges of political instability and economic exploitation, has created a deadly cycle that is difficult to break. The international community must take swift and coordinated action to address both the immediate security concerns and the long-term root causes of violence in the Sahel. Without such a response, the Sahel will remain at the heart of global terrorism, with devastating consequences for its people and the broader world.
