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

The article analyzes the challenges of inclusive dialogue in Mali in a context marked by persistent conflicts. Following the failure of previous peace agreements, the Malian authorities are trying to regain control of the process by initiating a national dialogue without international mediation. However, this approach is addressed for its lack of inclusiveness, in particular the absence of dialogue with the main actors of the violence, including terrorist groups such as the GSIM. Previous agreements, mediated by international actors, have failed due to a lack of will on the part of the parties. Challenges therefore include the absence of key actors, the military predominance in pacification strategies and the withdrawal of groups such as the CMA, thus complicating the effectiveness of this dialogue.

Peace, Conflict, Crisis management, Terrorism, Dialogue

The article analyzes the security challenges facing coastal countries in the face of the terrorist threat, drawing lessons from the strategic mistakes of the Sahelian states. They favored a belated military approach, underestimating the transnational and hybrid nature of terrorism. The weakness of security governance, the outbreak of community conflicts and the use of self-defense groups have aggravated the situation. Terrorist groups exploit porous borders better than states. Burkina Faso is a strategic lock whose weakening increases the pressure on coastal countries such as Benin, Togo and Ghana. For these states, it is imperative to strengthen regional cooperation and adopt inclusive strategies to avoid the same pitfalls.

Security, Terrorism

The article "Beyond Criminality: Youth Perceptions of Radicalization and Violent Extremism in Northern Benin" examines how young people perceive radicalization and violent extremism in this region. It highlights the socio-economic and cultural factors that make youth vulnerable to these phenomena, such as unemployment, poverty, social exclusion, and lack of educational opportunities. The study also emphasizes the role of community and family dynamics in either preventing or facilitating radicalization. Young people often view violent extremism not only as a solution to their economic frustrations but also as a means to gain a sense of belonging and recognition. The article calls for a holistic approach, involving local communities, educational institutions, and government authorities, to develop effective prevention strategies. It stresses the need to strengthen civic education initiatives, promote interfaith dialogue, and create economic opportunities for youth to reduce their vulnerability to radicalization.

Security, Jihad, Violence

The report “Dogmatism or Pragmatism? Violent Extremism and Gender in the Central Sahel” examines the influence of gender roles on the engagement of men and women in violent extremism in the Central Sahel. It highlights that violent extremist groups impose strict norms on women, seeking to control their behavior according to jihadist ideology. Contrary to the received idea of ​​women as passive victims, the report reveals that some actively support these groups, finding in the application of Sharia law and jihadist governance a resonance with their aspirations. Based on empirical data collected in late 2019 in the Liptako-Gourma region, the document offers an in-depth analysis of gender dynamics in the context of violent extremism in the Sahel.

Gender, Security, Jihad, Extremism, Women, Violence

In the March 2, 2023 article, Dr. Bakary Sambe, Regional Director of the Timbuktu Institute, examines how jihadist groups in the Sahel have transformed into networked community-based actors expanding into the Gulf of Guinea . AQMI and its katibas—Macina, Serma, Alidougou—now operate through decentralized, locally rooted structures while remaining coordinated by JNIM. They exploit local dynamics—family ties, pastoral tensions, weak state presence—to establish footholds in Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. Sambe warns against relying solely on military strategies and calls for a paradigm shift that recognizes the jihadists’ community entrenchment. He advocates a mixed approach combining security measures, regional cooperation, and local dialogue to counter extremist embedding and prevent its spread into coastal regions.

Security, Conflict, Jihad, Violence