Sahel – the center of terrorism in the world
The Sahel region of Africa has become one of the most dangerous areas in the world, being designated as a "global center of terrorism." This is reported based on data from the Global Terrorism Index (GTI). The region has become a hub for extremist and insurgent group activities, with the number of fatalities in armed conflicts there increasing tenfold since 2019.
The situation in the Sahel and the number of victims
The Sahel region is located south of the Sahara Desert and includes 10 countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Cameroon, Guinea, Gambia, Senegal, Nigeria, Chad, and Mauritania. Out of 7,555 people who visited this area, 3,885 have died as a result of armed conflicts. This indicates how unstable the region is.
Definition of terrorism and its main causes
According to GTI data, terrorism is the unlawful use or threat of force and violence by an individual or group not affiliated with a state to intimidate, coerce, or create panic in order to achieve political, economic, religious, or social objectives. There are several main reasons for the rise of terrorism in the Sahel:
- The social and economic vulnerability of the region;
- The ineffectiveness of state governance;
- The inability of security forces to operate effectively;
- Public discontent and political instability.
Main terrorist groups in the region
Attacks in the Sahel are primarily carried out by two major terrorist organizations:
ISIS (Islamic State) – Sahel branch: This group expanded its influence, especially in Mali, following the coups in 2020-2021. It has now doubled its territory in Mali and is active along the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger.
Al-Qaeda network: The second largest group in the region, which is also carrying out terrorist activities.
These groups are fighting not only against each other but also against regional government forces. Their attacks are directed against civilians, military personnel, and local leaders.
Political instability and coups
Political instability prevails in the Sahel region, with several coups occurring over the years. According to the GTI report, six successful coups have taken place since 2020:
- Mali – 2 times
- Burkina Faso – 2 times
- Guinea – 1 time
- Niger – 1 time
Currently, all these countries are governed by military juntas. Such a situation creates favorable conditions for terrorist groups to expand their influence.
The future of the region
According to regional experts and security specialists, the main reason for instability in the Sahel is the governments' insufficient attention to citizens' issues. As noted by Folahanmi Aina, a regional expert at SOAS University in London, the disconnect between the state and society has strengthened the influence of terrorist groups. If the governments of the region do not take measures to ensure stability and security, terrorism may escalate further.
The Sahel is currently a pressing issue for the global community, and the security problems there can have serious implications not only for Africa but also on a global scale.
