Sahel Region Now the World’s Terrorism Epicenter.

The Sahel Region Emerges as the World’s Terrorism Epicenter

The Sahel, a region stretching across Africa just south of the Sahara Desert, has now become the "epicenter of global terrorism," according to the latest findings of the Global Terrorism Index (GTI). For the first time, this region is responsible for more than half of the world’s terrorism-related deaths.

In a detailed report, the GTI revealed that in 2024, 3,885 lives were lost due to terrorism in the Sahel, out of a global total of 7,555 fatalities. While global terrorism-related deaths have decreased since peaking at 11,000 in 2015, the Sahel’s death toll has surged nearly tenfold since 2019. The rise in fatalities is attributed to the increasing presence and activities of extremist and jihadist groups in the region.

The Sahel spans parts of ten countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Cameroon, Guinea, Gambia, Senegal, Nigeria, Chad, and Mauritania. This region is home to some of the highest birth rates globally, with nearly two-thirds of the population under the age of 25, a factor that further complicates the security situation.

Unlike the Western world, where terrorism is mostly associated with lone perpetrators, the Sahel has witnessed the rapid expansion of jihadist militant groups, according to the GTI report. The report points to two major terrorist organizations operating in the region: the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate.

These groups have not only increased their recruitment efforts but have also employed tactics such as child soldiering, particularly in the case of ISGS. Analysts highlight that individuals in these communities often find themselves with few options but to join these groups, especially in areas where the government has little to no presence.

The political instability and weak governance in the Sahel have created a fertile ground for insurgent groups to thrive. The GTI identifies ongoing conflicts as a major catalyst for terrorism in the region, which has led to what is often referred to as Africa’s “revolutionary belt.” Since 2020, the region has experienced a string of successful coups, including in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger, all of which are now under military rule.

"Sahel has seen the breakdown of governments," said Dr. Folahanmi Aina, an expert on the region. "Political leaders have failed to prioritize governance, which has led to escalating domestic grievances, creating fertile ground for terrorist organizations to thrive."

Despite the rise of military governments, the GTI report indicates that the situation has worsened, with instability continuing to worsen. In 2024, Burkina Faso remained the country most affected by terrorism for the second consecutive year, with its terrorism-related death toll surpassing all other nations, excluding Iraq and Afghanistan, since the inception of the GTI report 14 years ago.

In addition to their violent activities, jihadist groups have also become heavily involved in illicit economic activities such as kidnapping for ransom and cattle rustling. The Sahel has increasingly become a key corridor for drug trafficking, particularly cocaine, from Latin America to Europe, which has provided substantial financing for terrorist groups.

Terrorist organizations are also vying for control of the region’s vast natural resources, such as uranium and gold mines, particularly in countries like Niger, which is one of the world’s top uranium producers. Unregulated mining activities, often controlled by groups like ISGS and JNIM, are a significant contributor to the ongoing insecurity in the region.

In the wake of recent coups, Sahel governments have shifted their alliances, distancing themselves from Western partners like France and the United States. Instead, they have turned to Russia and China for support in their fight against insurgent groups. "Russia is now taking control through Russian-backed mercenaries in the region, formerly known as the Wagner Group," explained Beverly Ochieng, a senior analyst at Control Risks. "Their role is to provide training and assist local military forces in combating insurgency, but success has been limited."

The GTI report warns that the instability in the Sahel could soon spill over into neighboring countries. Togo, for instance, recorded its highest number of terrorist attacks in 2024, with 10 incidents and 52 deaths, primarily along its border with Burkina Faso. Analysts anticipate that the spread of terrorism could soon reach other West African coastal nations like Benin, Togo, and beyond.