The Sahel region of Africa is now considered the “epicentre of global terrorism” and accounts for over half of all terrorism-related deaths, according to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI). The latest report from the Institute for Economics and Peace reveals that in this semi-arid area south of the Sahara Desert, 3,885 out of a total of 7,555 deaths worldwide occurred. While the global terrorism figure has decreased from its peak in 2015, the number in the Sahel has increased almost tenfold since 2019, as extremist groups shift their focus to the region. The Sahel stretches from the west coast of Africa across ten countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. The region has witnessed a rise in militant jihadist groups, with IS-Sahel and JNIM being responsible for most attacks. These groups are competing for land and influence and are recruiting more fighters, including child soldiers. The report highlights how political instability and weak governance in the Sahel have created ideal conditions for insurgent groups to thrive. The region has also become a key route for drug trafficking and other illicit activities linked to terrorism. Following a series of coups in the region, Sahel governments are turning to China and Russia for support in combating militant groups. Su trabajo es entrenar y apoyar a los ejércitos locales para poder contrarrestar la insurgencia en la región, pero hasta ahora no ha sido efectivo. Como resultado, el informe del GTI advierte que ahora hay un riesgo de desbordamiento más allá del llamado “epicentro del terror” a países vecinos. De hecho, dice que esto puede estar sucediendo ya – Togo registró 10 ataques y 52 muertes en 2024, la mayoría desde que comenzó el índice. Estos estaban en gran medida concentrados a lo largo de la frontera del país con Burkina Faso. La Sra. Ochieng está de acuerdo con esta evaluación, diciendo que “la expansión de grupos militantes en la región en países como Benin o Togo u otros estados costeros de África Occidental parece ser inminente”.