The article “Terrorism in the Sahel: the Mauritanian exception” looks at the reasons why Mauritania has not experienced jihadist attacks since 2011, unlike its Sahelian neighbors. This exceptional situation is the result of a multidimensional and pragmatic strategy, adapted to the specificities of the Sahel and to the war in the desert. Under the leadership of General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, the army underwent a major overhaul, with a substantial increase in the military budget, leading to the creation of Special Intervention Groups (GSI). These elite, light and mobile units are designed to operate autonomously in the desert. In addition, Mauritania has established fixed checkpoints on cross-border roads and has designated certain desert areas as “military zones.” This approach, combining military modernization and adaptation to local realities, has allowed the country to regain control of its territory and serve as an example in the fight against jihadist movements in the Sahel.

Security, Jihad, Terrorism

The WATHI article examines the growing threat posed by Islamist extremists to Ghana, Togo, and Benin. In 2023, Togo experienced 14 attacks resulting in 66 deaths, demonstrating the persistent ability of extremist groups to carry out deadly actions. Despite significant regional interventions, current strategies to combat violent extremism in coastal West Africa remain insufficient. The root causes of extremism, such as the systemic exclusion of marginalized ethnic groups, notably the Fulani, are not adequately addressed, exacerbating the situation. Ghana, neighboring Benin and Togo, has implemented measures to prevent such attacks, including increased assistance from international partners. However, the presence and influence of extremist organizations linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State continue to expand in the north of the country, recruiting hundreds of Ghanaians to fight in regional conflicts and beyond. This expansion of extremism in the three West African coastal countries persists despite considerable efforts to prevent the spread of extremist groups from the Sahel into their northern regions.

Jihad, Terrorism, Extremism, Violence

In this op-ed published on March 15, 2023, Jean‑Pierre Olivier de Sardan questions the effectiveness of security strategies in the Sahel. Jihadism is spreading not only in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, but also into northern regions of coastal countries like Benin, Ghana, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire . Where state authority has collapsed, jihadist groups have imposed a “de facto government” based on extortion, propaganda, and terror. He notes that military responses, including Operation Barkhane, have failed to halts their expansion . Instead, he advocates for a comprehensive approach: strengthening public services, restoring a protective state, offering alternatives for jihadist defectors, engaging in negotiations with moderate insurgents, and supporting rural development and humanitarian aid. The core argument stresses the need for people‑centered security rather than a standalone military focus.

Governance, Security, Jihad, Services publics

WATHI's article analyzes the growing threat of regional disintegration in West Africa, exacerbated by multiple crises: insecurity, political instability, armed conflicts, and socio-economic challenges. Factors such as the military coup in several countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger), the rise of jihadist armed groups, and tensions between local communities are worsening regional fragility. These dynamics threaten state cohesion and regional integration efforts. Faced with this critical situation, the article calls for urgent collective action, focused on restoring democratic governance, strengthening local institutions, and promoting inclusive development policies. It emphasizes the importance of African solutions, driven by responsible states and committed populations, to avoid total fragmentation. Resignation is rejected in favor of a proactive approach to building a stable future

Inequality, Conflict, Crisis management, Jihad, Poverty, Social cohesion, Crisis, Institution

WATHI's article analyzes the growing threat of regional disintegration in West Africa, exacerbated by multiple crises: insecurity, political instability, armed conflicts, and socio-economic challenges. Factors such as the military coup in several countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger), the rise of jihadist armed groups, and tensions between local communities are worsening regional fragility. These dynamics threaten state cohesion and regional integration efforts. Faced with this critical situation, the article calls for urgent collective action, focused on restoring democratic governance, strengthening local institutions, and promoting inclusive development policies. It emphasizes the importance of African solutions, driven by responsible states and committed populations, to avoid total fragmentation. Resignation is rejected in favor of a proactive approach to building a stable future

Inequality, Conflict, Crisis management, Jihad, Poverty, Social cohesion, Institution

Since 2014, the Tillabéri region in western Niger has been plagued by growing insecurity due to armed groups, crime, and community conflict. Until 2020, these groups primarily targeted local authorities and defense forces, while extorting civilians without resorting to physical violence. However, in 2021, they intensified their direct attacks on civilians, leading to a 52% increase in deaths related to this violence between 2020 and 2021, according to ACLED. Faced with the weak military presence, some communities have formed self-defense groups, such as the one in Banibangou. Although violence decreased in 2022, with 192 deaths recorded compared to 465 in 2021, instability persists. The military coup of July 26, 2023, which overthrew Mohamed Bazoum, could influence the security situation of civilians in the affected areas.

Governance, Conflict, Jihad, Violence, Insécurité, Groupes armés non étatiques

The article "Mauritania: A Security Exception in the Sahelian Landscape" examines Mauritania's stability amidst growing insecurity in the Sahel. Since 2011, the country has not experienced any terrorist attacks, in contrast to its neighbors. This situation results from a multidimensional strategy, notably the judicious use of the religious factor. Mauritania enjoys a reputation for piety recognized in the Muslim world, which has prevented the state from being easily labeled as "takfir" by armed groups, thus legitimizing violence against it. This reputation has also served as a basis for internal religious dialogue, often cited as an example in the region, including a prison component to combat jihadism. Between 2009 and 2013, measures of social strictness, such as the closure of bars and the Israeli embassy, have reinforced this approach. The article also mentions the "pact thesis," suggesting that Mauritania is spared in exchange for discreet financial support, although this theory remains debated. Finally, Islam is presented as an essential vector of national cohesion, mitigating community tensions and persistent social inequalities.

Security, Jihad, Social cohesion

Niger faces a dual threat: jihadist attacks and corruption within its army. Armed groups operate in the east and west, severely testing defense forces. Simultaneously, corruption scandals tarnish military credibility. In May 2020, a fallen soldier's posthumous letter condemned the war's transformation into a "business." An audit by the General Inspectorate of the Armed Forces revealed that between 2014 and 2019, approximately 76 billion CFA francs (116 million euros) were embezzled in arms contracts, accounting for nearly 45% of the annual defense budget. This undermines the effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts and highlights the urgent need for reforms to restore trust and strengthen national security.

State, Bribery, Conflict, Jihad, Military activity, Violence, Crisis

The Africa Center for Strategic Studies article, published on February 21, 2019, analyzes the evolution of Islamist militant groups in the Sahel. Since 2016, violent incidents involving these groups have doubled each year, from 90 in 2016 to 465 in 2018, with a parallel increase in associated deaths, from 218 to 1,110 over the same period. Violence against civilians also increased, accounting for 34% of reported incidents in 2018. Mali remains the epicenter of this violence, accounting for 64% of incidents in 2018. This increase is attributed to increased cooperation between militant groups, particularly within the Jama'at Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) coalition, formed in March 2017. Burkina Faso, previously spared, has seen a rapid escalation, with incidents increasing from 3 in 2015 to 137 in 2018. The groups generally operate in specific geographic areas, with JNIM active in central and northern Mali, Ansaroul Islam around Djibo in Burkina Faso, and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) along the Mali-Niger border.

Security, Conflict, Jihad, Violence