Sahel is the world's center of terrorism
The Sahel region of Africa has become one of the most dangerous regions in the world, being designated as the "global center of terrorism." This is reported based on data from the Global Terrorism Index (GTI). The region has become a center of activity for extremist and insurgent groups, and the number of people killed in armed conflicts there has increased 10 times since 2019.
The situation and death toll in the Sahel
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. Of the 7,555 people who visited the region, 3,885 died in armed conflicts. This shows how unstable the region is.
Definition and root causes of terrorism
According to GTI, terrorism is the use or threat of unlawful force or violence by individuals or groups not affiliated with a state, through intimidation, coercion or intimidation, to achieve political, economic, religious or social goals. There are several main reasons for the rise of terrorism in the Sahel:
- Social and economic vulnerability of the region;
- Ineffective government;
- Inadequate security forces;
- Public discontent and political instability.
Main terrorist groups in the region
Attacks in the Sahel are mainly carried out by two major terrorist organizations:
ISIS (Islamic State) – Sahel branch: This group has expanded its sphere of influence, especially in Mali, following the coups d’état in 2020-2021. It has now doubled its territory in Mali and operates on the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger.
Al-Qaeda network: The second largest group in the region, it has also carried out terrorist acts.
These groups are not only fighting each other, but also against regional government forces. Their attacks target civilians, the military, and local leaders.
Political instability and coups
The Sahel region has been plagued by political instability and has seen several coups over the years. According to the GTI report, there have been six successful coups since 2020:
- Mali – 2 times
- Burkina Faso – 2 times
- Guinea – 1 time
- Niger – 1 time
All of these countries are currently ruled by military juntas. This situation creates favorable conditions for terrorist groups to expand their influence.
The future of the region
According to regional experts and security experts, the main reason for instability in the Sahel is the lack of attention paid by governments to the problems of their citizens. As Folahanmi Aina, a regional expert at the SOAS University of London, notes, the disconnect between state and society has increased the influence of terrorist groups. If regional governments do not take measures to ensure stability and security, terrorism may escalate.
The Sahel is currently an urgent issue for the world community, and the security problems in it can have a serious impact not only on Africa, but also on a global scale.
Ctrl
Enter
Did you find a Mistake?
Highlight the phrase and press Ctrl+EnterRelated News
