UN Deputy Secretary-General: Sahel Region Accounts for Nearly Half of Global Terrorism Deaths

Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, has stated that the Sahel region accounts for nearly half of global terrorism deaths, according to Niagale Bagayoko, the president of the African Security Sector Network (ASSN). The Sahel region, which includes countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, has been confronting a growing threat from Islamist armed groups, leading to a significant increase in violence and human rights abuses.

Mohammed's statement emphasizes the severity of the security situation in the region and the need for international assistance and cooperation to address the crisis. The Global Terrorism Index Report of 2023 showed that in 2022, the Sahel was the area most affected by terrorism, accounting for 43% of global deaths caused by this phenomenon. The spread of extremist groups in the Sahel region has been fueled by governmental weakness, unstable situations, and conflicts in the early 2010s, leading to an increase in illicit activities such as drug, arms, and migrant smuggling.

Why this matters: The escalating violence and terrorism in the Sahel region not only threatens the stability and security of the affected countries but also has far-reaching consequences for global peace and security. Addressing the root causes of terrorism and supporting the efforts of Sahel states to counter the threat requires concerted international cooperation and assistance.

To counter the threat of terrorism, the Sahel states have taken various initiatives, including the Nouakchott Process, the Multinational Joint Task Force, and the G5 Sahel, with support from the international community. African leaders have also adopted the Abuja Declaration to tackle terrorism in Africa, emphasizing the need for an African-led and African-owned approach to countering terrorism, strengthening regional and sub-regional cooperation, and building the capacities of Member States challenged by terrorism and violent extremist tendencies.

Key Takeaways

• Sahel region accounts for nearly half of global terrorism deaths.
• Spread of extremist groups fueled by instability, conflicts, and illicit activities.
• Sahel states taking initiatives to counter terrorism, with international support.
• U.S. military facing challenges in maintaining presence in Niger and Chad.
• Burkina Faso sees mass killings of civilians by military, accused of aiding militants.