The Global Terrorism Index reports that the Sahel in Africa has seen nearly tenfold increase in terrorist deaths since 2019, with significant implications for regional stability and security.
Sahel Region Surges as Global Terrorism Epicenter
Sahel Region Surges as Global Terrorism Epicenter
Recent Global Terrorism Index reveals Sahel region accounts for over half of global terrorism deaths, highlighting a surge in militant activities.
The Sahel region of Africa has emerged as the "epicentre of global terrorism," with a staggering 3,885 out of 7,555 terrorism-related deaths reported in its borders, according to the latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI). This unprecedented statistic reveals that the Sahel now accounts for over half of all global terrorism casualties. While global terrorism deaths have decreased from 11,000 in 2015, the Sahel has witnessed a surge nearly tenfold since 2019, as extremist groups are increasingly targeting this volatile region.
Published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the GTI defines terrorism through the lens of non-state actors resorting to violence for political, economic, or social objectives. The Sahel encompasses parts of ten nations including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria, noted for its high birth rates and a youthful population where almost two-thirds are under 25.
The rise in the Sahel is attributed to robust militant activities, primarily by the Islamic State affiliate in the region and Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen, with an alarming increase in recruitment efforts, including for children. Analysts emphasize that impoverished and politically unstable communities often have little choice but to align with these insurgent organizations. Prolonged political instability, directly linked to ineffective governance, has fostered an enabling environment for the growth of terrorism.
The region has been termed the "coup belt" due to six successful military coups since 2020, leading to the establishment of juntas that have failed to improve security conditions. The GTI suggests that despite the replacement of civilian governments, the effectiveness of these military regimes in combating terrorism has not been realized, exacerbating the security crisis in countries like Burkina Faso, which remains a global leader in terrorism impact for the second consecutive year, following Iraq and Afghanistan.
Economic factors also play a crucial role in sustaining the jihadist groups, with activities such as kidnappings, cattle rustling, and drug smuggling serving as financial lifelines. Although some groups engage in organized crime, others prefer to integrate into local communities by offering protection services, thereby strengthening their influence.
In light of recent geopolitical shifts, Sahel governments are distancing themselves from Western support and considering alliances with nations like China and Russia to combat the insurgency. However, these measures have yet to yield significant results, raising concerns about the potential for violence to spill into neighboring countries. Reports indicate rising unrest even in historically stable areas like Togo, further complicating the precarious situation in West Africa.
Experts caution that with the expanding footprint of militant groups, countries like Benin and Togo are at imminent risk, necessitating urgent strategic responses to address the multifaceted security challenges in the Sahel.
Published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the GTI defines terrorism through the lens of non-state actors resorting to violence for political, economic, or social objectives. The Sahel encompasses parts of ten nations including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria, noted for its high birth rates and a youthful population where almost two-thirds are under 25.
The rise in the Sahel is attributed to robust militant activities, primarily by the Islamic State affiliate in the region and Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen, with an alarming increase in recruitment efforts, including for children. Analysts emphasize that impoverished and politically unstable communities often have little choice but to align with these insurgent organizations. Prolonged political instability, directly linked to ineffective governance, has fostered an enabling environment for the growth of terrorism.
The region has been termed the "coup belt" due to six successful military coups since 2020, leading to the establishment of juntas that have failed to improve security conditions. The GTI suggests that despite the replacement of civilian governments, the effectiveness of these military regimes in combating terrorism has not been realized, exacerbating the security crisis in countries like Burkina Faso, which remains a global leader in terrorism impact for the second consecutive year, following Iraq and Afghanistan.
Economic factors also play a crucial role in sustaining the jihadist groups, with activities such as kidnappings, cattle rustling, and drug smuggling serving as financial lifelines. Although some groups engage in organized crime, others prefer to integrate into local communities by offering protection services, thereby strengthening their influence.
In light of recent geopolitical shifts, Sahel governments are distancing themselves from Western support and considering alliances with nations like China and Russia to combat the insurgency. However, these measures have yet to yield significant results, raising concerns about the potential for violence to spill into neighboring countries. Reports indicate rising unrest even in historically stable areas like Togo, further complicating the precarious situation in West Africa.
Experts caution that with the expanding footprint of militant groups, countries like Benin and Togo are at imminent risk, necessitating urgent strategic responses to address the multifaceted security challenges in the Sahel.
