Report: Sahel remains epicenter of global terrorism

The Sahel region continues to be the global epicenter of terrorism, accounting for over 50% of all terrorism-related deaths in 2024, according to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI), as reported by the BBC. The GTI, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, recorded 3,885 deaths in the Sahel out of 7,555 worldwide, marking a tenfold increase since 2019.

The primary drivers are jihadist insurgencies, particularly IS-Sahel and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen (JNIM), which have expanded across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, exploiting political instability and weak governance. Six coups since 2020 have led to military rule, but security has continued to deteriorate.

Jihadist groups sustain operations through kidnappings, illicit trade, and control of natural resources like gold and uranium. With Russia increasing its military presence, and attacks spreading to Togo and Benin, the GTI warns of further regional destabilization, as Sahel-based militants push south toward coastal West Africa.