A community garden in Niger. (Photo: Mercy Corps)
The Sahel has seen the most rapid growth in violent extremist activity of any region in Africa over the past 2 years. The region is also a nexus of criminal networks and illicit trafficking and has experienced a rise in farmer-herder violence. The Sahel, moreover, has the fastest population growth rate on the continent, despite being among the poorest and facing some of the most fragile environmental conditions. Consequently, migrants from the Sahel constitute a significant share of those trying to cross the Mediterranean into Europe. All the while, emerging democratic institutions are trying to gain traction in the region. Here is a selection of Africa Center work on the region.
Africa Security Brief
Responding to the Rise in Violent Extremism in the Sahel
December 3, 2019
Reversing the escalating violence of militant Islamist groups in the Sahel will require an enhanced security presence coupled with more sustained outreach to local communities.
Video
Strategies for Peace and Security in the Sahel
September 27, 2019
The Sahel is the African region that has seen the most rapid growth in violent extremist activity over the past 2 years. Ambassadors of the G-5 Sahel countries and leading experts examine the drivers and responses to the region’s security challenges.
Spotlight
Ansaroul Islam: The Rise and Decline of a Militant Islamist Group in the Sahel
July 29, 2019
Burkina Faso’s first militant Islamist group, Ansaroul Islam, has faced setbacks, pointing to the weaknesses of violent extremist organizations lacking deep local support and facing sustained pressure.
Spotlight
Exploiting Borders in the Sahel: The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara
June 10, 2019
The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara has pursued breadth rather than depth of engagement in its rapid rise along the Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso borders.
Spotlight
Confronting Central Mali’s Extremist Threat: The Macina Liberation Front
February 22, 2019
The Macina Liberation Front has opportunistically played on perceptions of ethnic, economic, religious, and political marginalization to become one of the most active militant Islamist groups in Mali.
Video
EU Security Strategy in Sahel Focused on Security-Development Nexus
March 7, 2019
EU Special Representative to the Sahel Angel Losada Fernandez discusses Europe’s security strategy in the region, which focuses on integrating development, security, and governance in coordination with African actors on the ground, in this interview with the Africa Center.
Infographic
A Review of Major Regional Security Efforts in the Sahel
March 4, 2019
Increased attacks from militant Islamist groups in the Sahel coupled with cross-border challenges such as trafficking, migration, and displacement have prompted a series of regional and international security responses.
Infographic
The Complex and Growing Threat of Militant Islamist Groups in the Sahel
February 15, 2019
The escalation of violent events linked to militant Islamist groups in the Sahel reflects an array of diverse actors operating within distinct geographic concentrations.
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Africa Center Experts
- Kate Almquist Knopf, Director