- Migrants arriving in Europe from Sahel countries has increased
- The violence has also fueled a wave of military coups
- Jihadists stormed the capital of Mali
In a brazen attack on September 17, jihadists stormed the capital of Mali, targeting a police training academy and the Bamako airport.
The assault, which left dozens of students dead and the presidential jet ablaze, marked the most audacious attack in the Sahel region since 2016.
The attack underscores the growing threat posed by jihadist groups in the Sahel, a vast arid region spanning sub-Saharan Africa.
These groups, linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State, have been responsible for thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions of people.
While overshadowed by global conflicts, the crisis in the Sahel is contributing to a surge in migration towards Europe.
The number of migrants arriving in Europe from Sahel countries has increased by 62% in the first half of 2024, driven by conflict and climate change.
The jihadists’ control over vast swathes of territory in the Sahel raises concerns about their potential to launch attacks on major cities, both within the region and beyond.
The violence has also fueled a wave of military coups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, further destabilizing the region.
Western powers, once heavily involved in counterterrorism efforts, have seen their influence decline in recent years.
The departure of U.S. troops from Niger has left a void in intelligence gathering and air support.
The growing threat posed by jihadists in the Sahel requires a coordinated international response.
However, the lack of consensus among European nations and the challenges of working with the military juntas in the region make such an effort difficult.
