Executive Summary

We assess that the security situation in the Sahel keeps deteriorating as terrorist groups such as Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Sahel (IS Sahel) expand their operational reach, influence, and capabilities to carry out attacks. Over the last two decades, the hotspot of terrorism has shifted from the Middle East and North Africa into the Sahel region. This trend is additionally fueled by a combination of weak governance, porous borders, ineffective security measures, and social instability. Additionally, the ousting of French and US forces in the last few years added to the security gap already present in the region, opening up more opportunities for terrorist groups to expand.

Images Sourced From: MINUSMA