The Sahel region in Africa is seeing a surge in terrorist-related deaths, now accounting for nearly half of global casualties stemming from terrorism. This alarming statistic was highlighted at a recent summit in Nigeria, dedicated to combating terrorism throughout the continent. With the escalating threat of extremist attacks by Islamist groups, including recent coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger leading to the departure of international troops, notably French forces. Stig Jarle Hansen, an expert in international relations and author of “Horn, Sahel and Rift: Fault-lines of the African Jihad,” shared insights with Perspective. According to Hansen, the withdrawal of French military presence has catalyzed the escalation of militant activities, creating a geopolitical struggle akin to a modern-day “Cold War” with Russia’s growing footprint in the region.
