New york: Terrorist groups in West Africa and the Sahel are evolving rapidly, administering territories, controlling trade routes, and exploiting new technologies to extend their influence to the Gulf of Guinea. Governmental responses are struggling to keep pace, while regional dialogue efforts are attempting to regain momentum.
According to United Nations, Leonardo Santos Simo, head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), highlighted a constantly evolving threat during a Security Council briefing on Tuesday. He noted that the threat posed by terrorist groups and non-State armed entities is acute, particularly in the central Sahel and northern Nigeria, and is now targeting coastal states in the Gulf of Guinea. These organizations have adapted their methods swiftly, utilizing drones, sophisticated communication tools, and cryptocurrencies to modernize their operations.
In Mali, a coalition involving the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) launched attacks on April 25 against multiple cities, resulting in civilian and military casualties, including the Malian Minister of Defence. In Niger, attacks targeted Niamey airport and a military base in Tahoua. Burkina Faso's northern and eastern regions continue to face drone attacks. Nigeria's north and the central Middle Belt region are plagued by kidnappings and attacks impacting civilians.
Population displacements are on the rise, with West Africa and the Sahel hosting nearly 6.8 million internally displaced persons and 1.3 million refugees and asylum seekers. The Gulf of Guinea States are now hosting approximately 220,000 refugees. In Liberia, the Burkinabe national population has increased dramatically, causing strain on resources and public services.
Drug trafficking is also on the rise, particularly in coastal states where authorities have conducted numerous seizures. Young people are the primary victims, and some armed groups are reportedly supplying these substances to their fighters. Cartels are said to be influencing public institutions, contributing to instability and weakening governance. This interconnectedness between terrorism, organized crime, and parallel economies is complicating efforts to establish effective governance in the region.