Recent findings from the Global Terrorism Index reveal that the Sahel region is now responsible for over half of the world’s terrorism-related deaths, emphasizing the urgent need for effective interventions.
**Sahel Region Becomes Global Terrorism Epicenter, Reports Show**
**Sahel Region Becomes Global Terrorism Epicenter, Reports Show**
The unprecedented rise of terror-related deaths in the Sahel highlights the urgency of addressing escalating violence.
The Sahel region of Africa has been identified as the new "epicenter of global terrorism," according to a recent report from the Global Terrorism Index (GTI). This semi-arid area, situated south of the Sahara Desert, has witnessed a staggering increase in terrorism-related fatalities, accounting for over half of the global total, with 3,885 deaths reported out of 7,555 worldwide.
The GTI, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, notes that while global terrorism deaths peaked at 11,000 in 2015, figures for the Sahel have increased nearly tenfold since 2019. This surge is attributed to escalating violence from extremist groups that have shifted their focus to the region. The GTI defines terrorism as the "threatened or actual use of illegal force and violence by a non-state actor."
Covering parts of 10 countries—including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria—the Sahel is characterized by its young demographic; nearly two-thirds of the population is under 25 years old. Unlike the rise of individualistic attacks seen in the West, the Sahel is grappling with the rapid expansion of militant jihadist organizations like the Islamic State affiliate and Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), an al-Qaeda branch.
"These groups are not only administering local justice based on Sharia law but are also competing for territory and influence," explains Niagalé Bagayoko, a security expert. Both IS-Sahel and JNIM have reportedly expanded their territorial control significantly, particularly in conflict-ridden Mali, where political instability has left a power vacuum.
The societal breakdown in the Sahel stems from long-standing neglect from political leaders. Experts like Dr. Folahanmi Aina highlight that this neglect has created fertile ground for insurgent groups to flourish, exacerbated by a series of military coups across the region since 2020. Burkina Faso, in particular, stands out as the most affected country by terrorism as per the GTI’s metrics.
The report connects insurgent financing to a mix of illicit activities including kidnappings, cattle rustling, and drug trafficking. This lucrative model not only helps sustain operations but also strengthens the militants' local influence by providing a semblance of security in return for payment.
As regional governments increasingly turn to Russia and other non-Western allies for assistance, the effectiveness of this strategy remains under scrutiny. Local analysts warn of a potential spillover of violence into neighboring West African nations, with signs of increasing attacks noted in places like Togo.
Experts caution that the ongoing instability and competition between terrorist factions could lead to a broader regional crisis if not addressed adequately in the coming years.
