Terrorism in Africa: The Sahel evolves into "ground zero"

Africa is the global epicenter of terrorism, with regions like the Sahel facing a devastating toll in lives lost and the rise of extremist groups.
Addressing this crisis requires human rights-centered strategies, regional cooperation, and innovative funding mechanisms.
Global action and support for African-led solutions are crucial to combating terrorism and securing the continent’s future.

Terrorism in Africa is growing at a frightening scale compared to other regions globally, with the continent accounting for nearly 59 per cent of all terror-related deaths worldwide.

According to UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, there is urgent need to strengthen counter-terrorism measures especially in the Sahel region which has evolved into “ground zero” for the world’s most brutal terror activities. Mohammed was speaking during a UN Security Council meeting chaired by Algeria.

The devastating toll of terrorism

The Sahel region has become “ground zero” for the world’s most brutal terrorist activities. For three consecutive years, terrorism-related deaths in this region have exceeded 6,000 annually. Burkina Faso, with a shocking 68 per cent rise in fatalities, leads the world in terrorism deaths.

Equally alarming is the expansion of Al-Qaeda and ISIL affiliates into West Africa’s coastal nations, where violent attacks have skyrocketed by over 250 per cent in just two years. New extremist groups such as “Lakurawa” are also emerging, conducting cross-border attacks in northwest Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. Meanwhile, established groups such as Al-Shabaab in Somalia and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to wreak havoc.

In West Africa, the combination of youth marginalization and soaring unemployment has created fertile ground for extremist recruitment. Amina Mohammed warned, “If we don’t act, we risk losing this generation to the horrors of terrorism, their futures stolen before they even have a chance to begin.”

This dire situation underscores the need for immediate intervention to address socioeconomic disparities and create pathways for youth empowerment.

Human rights-centered solutions

Counter-terrorism strategies must evolve alongside the ever-changing nature of terrorism. Mohammed advocates for innovative, human rights-based approaches rooted in the rule of law. These methods should prioritize addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, inequality, and political instability.

The Pact for the Future, adopted by UN Member States in 2023, serves as a roadmap to align global efforts against terrorism with a human rights framework.

A cornerstone of effective counter-terrorism in Africa is regional collaboration. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye of the African Union (AU) highlighted that over 3,400 terrorist attacks in 2023 resulted in nearly 14,000 fatalities. The AU has recalibrated its strategies, recognizing the need for predictable, sustainable funding to support peace enforcement missions.

Resolution 2719 (2023) by the Security Council provides a critical opportunity for African-led peace support missions to access UN funding. Swift implementation of this resolution could bolster the continent’s capacity to combat terrorism through unified and strategic efforts.

Funding to counter terrorism in Africa

Adeoye stressed the importance of flexible funding to address the dynamics of terrorism in Africa. With projections indicating a 10-15 per cent increase in terrorist activities, innovative financing mechanisms are critical. Public-private partnerships and international donor contributions can play pivotal roles in ensuring African-led counter-terrorism initiatives receive adequate resources.

Overall, terrorism in Africa is not merely a regional issue—it is a global threat that demands coordinated action. The international community must uphold its commitments to support African leadership in counter-terrorism efforts. By addressing the root causes of extremism, embracing innovation, and fostering regional collaboration, we can pave the way for a safer and more secure future for Africa.