Sahel Region Becomes Global Terrorism Epicenter with Alarming Death Toll

The Sahel has emerged as the "epicenter of global terrorism," with 3,885 deaths in the past year, marking a tenfold increase since 2019. Amid political instability and weak governance, extremist groups have thrived, emphasizing the need for urgent interventions to address the growing crisis.

The Sahel region of Africa is now recognized as the "epicenter of global terrorism," with the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) reporting that it accounts for over half of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide. The index reveals that in the last year, 3,885 people lost their lives due to terrorism in this area, which is part of a larger global total of 7,555 casualties. While global terrorism-related deaths have seen a decline from the peak of 11,000 in 2015, the Sahel has experienced a staggering increase, with deaths nearly tenfold since 2019 as extremist and insurgent activities expand.

Published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the GTI defines terrorism as the use of illegal force and violence by non-state actors to achieve political or social goals through intimidation. The Sahel stretches across parts of ten African countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. It is characterized by high birth rates and a predominantly young population, where nearly two-thirds are under 25 years of age.

Unlike the rise of lone actor terrorism seen in Western countries, the Sahel has witnessed the rapid growth of organized militant groups. The report indicates that most recent attacks stem from two primary organizations: the Islamic State group and Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), a branch of al-Qaeda. Experts note that these groups are not only fighting for geographic control but are also vying to introduce legal systems based on Sharia law.

IS-Sahel is claimed to have significantly expanded its territory in Mali since multiple coups disrupted the country’s governance in 2020 and 2021. Both extremist factions are reportedly increasing their ranks through recruitment, including the controversial use of child soldiers. Much of the region's unrest is attributed to a breakdown in effective governance, as political instability provides fertile ground for insurgent growth.

The Sahel has been referred to as Africa’s "coup belt," with six successful coups since 2020, now all led by military juntas. Experts suggest that while there was hope military control would stabilize security conditions, the reality shows worsening insecurity and unpreparedness amongst the new leaders. In fact, Burkina Faso has been identified as the country most heavily impacted by terrorism for two consecutive years, outperforming even Iraq and Afghanistan in the GTI's rankings.

These jihadist groups sustain their operations by engaging in illicit activities such as kidnappings, cattle rustling, and drug trafficking, leveraging the region's natural riches, including uranium and gold reserves. Following a trend of moving away from Western support, Sahelian governments are increasingly looking to Russia and China for assistance, as seen through the involvement of Russian paramilitary forces in regional security efforts.

The GTI also warns of the risk of spilling violence into neighboring countries, with Togo reporting its highest casualty numbers from insider attacks. Experts caution that the expansion of militant influence into nearby West African states is imminent, underscoring the urgent need for effective conflict resolution strategies to restore stability in the Sahel and beyond.