West Africa is facing an increasing threat of destabilization due to the expansion of jihadist groups and the geopolitical influence of foreign powers, notably Russia. Recent attacks, such as the one in Togo in July 2024 by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), affiliated with Al-Qaeda, highlight the extent of the terrorist threat in the region. Simultaneously, Russia is expanding its influence in Africa, capitalizing on the withdrawal or inaction of Western powers. This strategy is evident through alliances with military regimes in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have recently formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a pro-Russian coalition. This situation weakens the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), already shaken by the intentions of some members to withdraw. In response to these challenges, West African authorities are seeking solutions to maintain regional stability and counter foreign interference.

Governance, Jihad, Influence, Violence, Threat

The article “Preventing Jihadists from Penetrating Northern Côte d’Ivoire” analyzes the strategies put in place by the Ivorian government to counter the infiltration of jihadist groups from the Sahel. Faced with the growing threat, the authorities have adopted an approach combining security and socio-economic initiatives. On the security front, military reforms have been undertaken to strengthen the state’s presence in vulnerable areas. At the same time, economic and social development projects aim to improve the living conditions of local populations, thereby reducing the appeal of extremist discourses. The article also highlights the importance of religious tolerance and government surveillance to maintain stability in the north of the country.

Security, Jihad, Military activity, Violence

The International Crisis Group's article "Cameroon: Confronting Boko Haram" analyses the impact of the Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North region of Cameroon. It highlights the vulnerability of this region due to weak socio-economic indicators and a limited state presence, facilitating the establishment of the terrorist group. Boko Haram has exploited these weaknesses to recruit locally and finance its activities through kidnappings, cattle rustling and illegal trade. The consequences are multiple: political destabilisation, increased insecurity, local economic collapse and social tensions. The article criticises the mainly security-based response of the Cameroonian government, deemed insufficient without a socio-economic development strategy. It recommends an integrated approach combining reinforced security, development initiatives and regional cooperation to eradicate the Boko Haram threat and sustainably stabilise the Far North of Cameroon.

Governance, Security, Jihad

survival strategies for themselves and their families. The article highlights these complex dynamics, highlighting how the conflict exacerbates pre-existing gender inequalities. It also calls for concrete actions to protect their rights and strengthen their autonomy in a context of security and social tensions.

Security, Jihad, Terrorism, Extremism, Religion, Women, Vulnerability, Violence

In this 29 September 2024 episode of Ça fait débat avec Wathi on RFI, Gilles Yabi, head of the Wathi think tank, presents the key takeaways from a 19 September roundtable on security in the Sahel and neighboring coastal states such as Benin, Togo, and Ghana. He emphasizes the spreading jihadist threat, which is moving beyond the traditional hotspot of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, reaching littoral nations. Yabi highlights vulnerabilities related to porous borders, institutional unpreparedness, and weak regional cooperation. He underscores the limitations of local security forces and stresses the need for joint prevention measures, improved intelligence sharing, and robust crisis management. He advocates for the active participation of civil society and regional entities to prevent the spillover of Sahelian insecurity.

Boundary, Security, Jihad