The Sahel region of Africa has become the focal point of global terrorism, with over half of all terrorism-related deaths occurring there, according to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI). The latest report reveals that out of 7,555 deaths worldwide, 3,885 occurred in this semi-arid region south of the Sahara Desert.
The GTI report highlights a nearly tenfold increase in terrorism-related deaths in the Sahel since 2019, as extremist and insurgent groups increasingly target the area. The Institute for Economics and Peace publishes the index, focusing on global peace and conflict research.
The Sahel spans from the west coast to the east of Africa, encompassing parts of 10 countries. With high birth rates and a predominantly youthful population, the region faces significant security challenges. Unlike Western regions where lone actor terrorism is prevalent, the Sahel experiences rapid growth in militant jihadist groups, notably the Islamic State affiliate and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) – an al-Qaeda branch.
These groups are competing for control, introducing new legal orders based on Sharia law and recruiting fighters, including child soldiers. Political instability and weak governance create fertile ground for insurgent groups to thrive, with conflict being the primary driver of terrorism in the region.
The Sahel has witnessed a series of coups since 2020, leading to military juntas governing countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger. Despite these changes, insecurity has worsened, with Burkina Faso remaining the most affected country by terrorism for two consecutive years.
Jihadist groups sustain their operations through illicit economic activities like kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, and drug trafficking. Some groups generate revenue by imposing taxes or providing security services in exchange for payment, strengthening their influence in local communities.
The Sahel’s rich natural resources, including uranium and gold, attract insurgent groups vying for control. Recent coups have prompted Sahel governments to seek support from China and Russia in combating militants, shifting away from traditional Western allies. Russia’s Africa Corps, formerly known as Wagner, is increasingly involved in the region, exerting influence over paramilitary operations. Su trabajo es entrenar y apoyar a los ejércitos locales para poder contrarrestar la insurgencia en la región, pero hasta ahora no ha sido efectivo. Como resultado, el informe del GTI advierte que ahora hay un riesgo de desbordamiento más allá del llamado “epicentro del terror” a países vecinos. De hecho, dice que esto podría estar sucediendo ya – Togo registró 10 ataques y 52 muertes en 2024, la cifra más alta desde que comenzó el índice. Estos estaban concentrados principalmente a lo largo de la frontera del país con Burkina Faso. La Sra. Ochieng está de acuerdo con esta evaluación, diciendo que “la expansión de grupos militantes dentro de la región en países como Benín o Togo u otros estados costeros de África Occidental parece ser inminente”.