International bodies and Western diplomats have expressed growing concern over the increasing activity of extremist groups in the African Sahel, warning of potential security threats as these groups appear to be moving further west in the continent.
The focus of concern is on the group “Ansar al-Islam wal-Muslimeen,” linked to both ISIS and Al-Qaeda, along with other armed factions exploiting the fragility of countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have experienced repeated coups according to reports.
The potential expansion of these groups is particularly dangerous due to weak state institutions and limited capacity for control, especially amid the withdrawal of foreign forces previously combating terrorism, such as the gradual pullout of French troops from Operation Barkhane.
Additionally, the growing influence of these groups is reportedly part of a “planned strategy” by terrorist organizations seeking to establish a foothold in these fragile states, posing a threat even to military authorities. Western countries, including France, Britain, and the United States, have also reduced their security and diplomatic presence, with France decreasing its diplomatic staff in Mali and issuing advisories for its citizens to temporarily leave due to worsening security conditions.