West Africa and the Sahel: Terrorism is changing its face

Terrorist Adaptation and Regional Challenges

Qinilo.com – Jihadist factions have shifted beyond mere attacks in the region, now establishing control over territories and trade networks. They leverage advanced technologies and are extending their reach toward the Gulf of Guinea, altering the landscape of conflict.

Government Responses and Regional Dialogue

Authorities are struggling to match the pace of these evolving threats, while regional cooperation efforts face inconsistent progress. Leonardo Santos Simão, head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), highlighted the changing nature of terrorism during a Security Council address.

“Terrorist groups and non-State armed actors present an escalating danger, especially in the central Sahel and northern Nigeria. Their operations are now targeting coastal regions in the Gulf of Guinea with increasing frequency,” he cautioned.

Modern Tactics and Strategic Goals

These organizations are rapidly updating their strategies, incorporating drones, encrypted communications, and cryptocurrencies into their operations. Their objectives now include securing economic resources and eroding confidence in state institutions.

Recent Attack Patterns

April 25 saw coordinated assaults in Mali by JNIM, linked to Al-Qaeda, and the Azawad Liberation Front. The attacks struck Bamako, Kati, Gao, Kidal, and Mopti, resulting in significant casualties and damaging government infrastructure.

In Niger, military facilities in Niamey and Tahoua faced targeted strikes, while Burkina Faso continues to grapple with insurgent activity in its northern and eastern zones. Drone strikes have become a notable method in these regions.

Nigeria’s northern areas and the Middle Belt remain under threat from kidnappings and frequent attacks, with civilian losses mounting steadily.

Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis

Population movements have surged, with nearly 6.8 million internally displaced individuals and 1.3 million refugees in the region by late February. Coastal states, previously less affected, now host about 220,000 refugees, straining local resources.

Liberia has seen a sharp rise in Burkinabe residents, increasing from 40,000 to 140,000 since 2025. This influx is testing land availability and public services, compounding the humanitarian situation.

Drug Trafficking and Governance Concerns

Drug production and trafficking are on the rise, particularly in coastal areas where authorities report frequent seizures. Simão noted that young populations are heavily impacted, and some groups are reportedly using narcotics to sustain their fighters.

Cartels are also gaining influence over public systems, weakening state control and creating a complex web of interconnected threats. This trend blurs the boundaries between insurgency, organized crime, and governance in the region.