Abidjan: Africa's Sahel region has become a focal point for terrorism, with alarming developments indicating an expansion of terror activities into coastal West Africa.
According to Deutsche Welle, the Institute for Economics and Peace's latest Global Terrorism Index reveals that approximately 51% of global terror-related deaths occur in the Sahel. This region is witnessing an upsurge in violence, primarily driven by two al-Qaeda-linked groups, Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) and the Islamic State, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
These terror groups are now extending their reach southward, infiltrating countries like Benin, Togo, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ghana. In northern Benin, attacks on military outposts and civilians have become frequent, with a notable incident in April 2025 when JNIM militants killed at least 54 soldiers along the border shared with Burkina Faso and Niger. Togo is experiencing a similar rise in terror activities.
Coastal West Africa serves as a critical corridor for these groups, providing a route to escape military offensives and access to vital trade arteries essential for European shipping lines. The W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex, a protected area spanning Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger, offers a haven for terrorists, facilitating smuggling and illicit economic activities.
James Barnett, a research fellow at Hudson Institute, explained to DW that JNIM's activities in Benin initially served as a strategy to extend their operations beyond Burkina Faso. Terror groups exploit illicit economies and recruit within the region, further solidifying their presence.
Terrorists are capitalizing on the underdeveloped and sparsely populated northern regions of coastal countries, exploiting local frustrations and neglect. According to Oluwole Ojewale from the Dakar-based Institute for Security Studies, these areas harbor strategic minerals and materials that finance terrorism.
A significant factor contributing to the spread of terrorism is the collapse of security cooperation between the Sahel and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The formation of the Alliance of Sahel States by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger has created mistrust, allowing violence to spill over from the Sahel to coastal areas.
In response, coastal countries have launched initiatives to strengthen border security, with Benin deploying 3,000 soldiers along its borders with Burkina Faso and Chad. Bilateral security agreements, such as the one between Benin and Nigeria, aim to enhance border security.
Barnett emphasized that overcoming regional mistrust and sharing intelligence is crucial to curbing terrorism. Coastal and Sahel states must collaborate and address socioeconomic issues to build trust and stabilize the region. Côte d'Ivoire has implemented social projects to alleviate poverty and youth unemployment while fostering trust between the military and communities.
By addressing both security and socioeconomic concerns, these nations can work towards a more comprehensive approach to combating terrorism in West Africa.