Africa has become the new epicenter of global terrorism, with former French colonies in the Sahel region suffering the highest number of attacks. According to the latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), more than half of all global terrorism-related deaths in 2024 occurred in the Sahel. Burkina Faso ranked as the world’s deadliest country for terrorism, with 20% of all victims recorded there.
A Surge in Terrorism Across the Sahel
The Sahel, once overshadowed by conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, has now surpassed these regions as the main hub of terrorist violence. Compared to 2007, terrorism-related deaths in the region have increased thirtyfold. Sixteen of the world’s 20 deadliest attacks in 2024 occurred in the Sahel, with the largest taking place in Niger’s Tahoua region, where 237 people were killed.
The GTI ranks Burkina Faso, Pakistan, Syria, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria among the most impacted by terrorism. Meanwhile, European and Western nations saw a sharp increase in lone-wolf attacks, with the U.S. recording a 200% rise in incidents linked to Islamophobia and anti-Semitism.
Terrorism Trends Over the Last Decade
The global peak of terrorism occurred in 2014–2015, but by 2019, deaths had declined by 59% due to reduced activity in Iraq, Syria, and Nigeria. However, terrorism has intensified in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the Sahel, where groups like the Daesh and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have expanded operations.
While global terrorism-related deaths dropped by 13% in 2024, attacks by radicalized individuals in the West doubled, whereas West African nations faced large-scale assaults from extremist organizations.
The Sahel: A Battlefield for Terrorist Groups
The IEP report highlights Daesh, JNIM, Al-Shabaab, and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as the most active terrorist organizations. Daesh alone was responsible for 1,805 deaths in 22 countries in 2024. In Mali, JNIM continues to expand its influence, attacking military and civilian targets. The UN reports that Daesh has doubled its controlled territory in Mali since 2023.
The Sahel’s terrorism levels are now nearly ten times higher than in 2019. Niger recorded 94% of its terrorism-related deaths in 2024, while Chad experienced an 80% rise, marking its highest levels ever. Many analysts trace this escalation back to the 2011 fall of Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi, which led to instability across the region.
The Colonial Legacy and Resource Wars
Several factors drive the Sahel’s crisis, including poverty, weak state institutions, and ethnic conflicts. The region is also a key transit route for drugs smuggled from South America to Europe, fueling local insurgencies. Ethnic and tribal disputes further complicate the situation, as seen in ongoing tensions between the Dogon, Fulani, and Bambara in Mali, or the Mossi and Fulani in Burkina Faso.
Control over valuable resources also plays a role. Gold mining has become a funding source for terrorist groups, with reports of illicit gold smuggling operations linked to international corporations. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—nations that have distanced themselves from French influence—coincide with the areas most affected by terrorist violence.
Niger, home to significant uranium reserves, has recently sought to renegotiate its resource contracts, leading to geopolitical tensions. While France previously acquired Nigerien uranium at below-market prices, the new military government is pushing for better terms. Meanwhile, Chinese companies have increased investments in Mali’s lithium and gold sectors.
Shifting Alliances and Security Efforts
With growing anti-French sentiment in the Sahel, regional nations are rethinking their alliances. A recent IEP survey found that 59% of Malians now view France negatively, with similar attitudes spreading across West Africa. At the same time, interest in partnerships with Russia, the U.S., and China is rising.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress. Burkina Faso has recorded a 57% decline in terrorist attacks over the past year following aggressive security measures. Additionally, China has pledged to train thousands of African security personnel as part of its Global Security Initiative.
While global terrorism remains a significant threat, coordinated international efforts and stronger governance could be key to reversing the trend, ensuring greater stability across Africa and beyond.