SHAABAN BILAL (CAIRO)


Despite continuous international efforts to limit terrorism in Africa, 2023 has seen a significant increase in terrorist activities, with widespread attacks leading to unprecedented losses. This year witnessed multiple attacks across African nations, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions to safer areas amid security and political instability.


South of the Sahara became the epicentre of terrorist activities this year following international efforts to dismantle extremist organisations’ bases in the Middle East. Terrorist groups, including Da’esh, Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabaab, and other armed factions, are now active in West Africa. The Sahel region is notably one of the world’s most dangerous terrorism hotspots.


The 2023 Global Terrorism Index report highlighted a 50% increase in deaths attributed to armed groups in Africa compared to the previous year. Over the past 15 years, terrorism in the region has surged by more than 2000%.


In West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States recorded over 1800 attacks in the first half of 2023, resulting in nearly 4600 deaths. These attacks have caused severe humanitarian consequences in the 15-country group, home to half a million refugees and about 6.2 million internally displaced persons.


From January to June, Burkina Faso experienced 2725 attacks, Mali 844, Niger 77, and Nigeria 70, cumulatively leading to 4593 deaths. The attacks in Benin and Togo, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, indicate the expansion of terrorism to coastal countries, further threatening the region.


The 2023 Global Terrorism Index’s tenth edition identified Niger as the country most affected by terrorism globally. Niger faces threats from Al-Qaeda in its northern borders, Da’esh in the northeast, and Boko Haram along its southeastern borders with Chad and Nigeria. These attacks, stemming from security and political instability, have dire consequences for Africans.


Official reports estimate that approximately 30 million people need food aid due to these terrorist operations. The Institute for Economics and Peace report links environmental deterioration and terrorism, noting that worsening environmental conditions force people to migrate in search of resources. According to the report, conflict rates in areas with mixed pastoral and agricultural use are 54%, compared to 17% in non-mixed areas.


Environmental security deterioration includes worsening water and food security, leading to famines and conflicts over scarce resources. This coincides with high population growth, resource constraints, and countries’ inability to meet population needs. The report forecasts continued temperature rise, exacerbating drought conditions and reducing agricultural crop productivity, which fuels clashes between herders and farmers.


Mohamed Ezzeldin, a researcher in African affairs, explained that conflict escalation in the Sahel and desert region increases the spread of terrorism and armed movements. He noted that many countries in West and Central Africa are experiencing this due to coups and political conflicts between factions.


Ezzeldin emphasised that the rise of armed movements and terrorism severely impacts the stability and security of these regions. He highlighted that West and Central African countries frequently face terrorist attacks, resulting in numerous civilian casualties, including hundreds of children and women.