West African countries facing the worst terrorism threats
West Africa faces a high terrorism threat with many countries in the region being affected by terrorist activities.
According to the United Nations, the region requires "tangible, long-term support to Eliminate terrorism, and address humanitarian crisis".
Although some countries are experiencing terrorist threats, others are on the top of the list.
Nigeria
Nigeria is one of the biggest victims of terrorist attacks in the West African region. Islamist groups including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province have launched attacks on Nigerians, particularly in the northeastern part of the country.
These attacks more often than not result in deaths, injuries, abductions and the destruction of properties in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
Nigeria is a member of the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Program, a programme funded by the U.S. to enhance the indigenous capacities of governments in pan-Sahel to confront the challenge posed by terrorist organisations in the trans-Sahara.
According to the U.S. Country Reports on Terrorism 2021, the Nigerian government has cooperated with the United States and other international partners to prevent further acts of terrorism in Nigeria.
The country’s most recent cases of terrorist attacks were reported on Tuesday, November 6 and 7. 14 people were killed and 17 others wounded during a religious celebration in Katsina State on Monday while about 5 others were killed on Tuesday when terrorists launched another attack a few kilometres from the community earlier attacked, according to Premium Times.
Mali
Mali has faced many terrorist attacks from various groups including ISIS-GS and JNIM, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group. According to the U.S. Country Report on Terrorism, attacks in Mali usually occur in the central area, with some groups operating south along the Burkina Faso border into the Sikasso Region.
Efforts to counter terrorism financing remain ineffective owing to a lack of resources, training, basic auditing tools, and automation.
In September this year, Africanews reported the deaths of 64 persons including 49 civilians and 15 soldiers who were killed in two terrorist attacks targeting a passenger river transport boat and an army base in Northern Mali.
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso has been a hub for terrorism activities over the years, a situation which has worsened in recent years with the occurrence of two military coups.
The Global Terrorism Index, per the U.S. 2021 Country Report on Terrorism, was ranked as the fourth country most affected by terrorism. Attacks and atrocities by armed Islamist groups have led to several deaths and injuries. Terrorist activities by groups like ISIS-GS, Ansaroul Islam, and JNIM are prevalent.
The US Country Report on Terrorism notes that 2020 saw a sharp increase in terrorist attacks directed at the civilian population in the region.
More than 100 civilians were reportedly killed in targeted attacks in northern provinces. Burkina Faso is a member of the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body.
Burkina Faso’s FIU, the National Financial Information Processing Unit (CENTIF-BF), is a member of the Egmont Group, an informal network of FIUs aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
Niger
Niger has faced threats from various extremist groups including Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda and others. The country has been part of regional efforts to combat terrorism such as the G5 Sahel Joint Force and has received international support.
According to the U.S. Country Reports on Terrorism, Niger is prone to such attacks because these organisations take advantage of the country’s extensive borders and sparsely populated desert regions to attack and recruit.
In October this year, six soldiers and 31 terrorists were killed in fighting in the Tera zone in western Niger near Burkina Faso, according to Africanews.
