Terrorism alarm in West Africa

Immediate steps must be taken to combat a worrying rise in terrorist attacks in the region. By Olayinka Ajala

- Olayinka Ajala

More than 40 Malian soldiers were killed and one of the country's military bases was taken over in early June in a major attack by Jama'a Nus-rat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), in the town of Boulikessi.

This same group, linked to al-Qaeda, launched an attack on the historic city of Timbuktu. The Malian army claimed it repelled the attack and killed 14 terrorists.

Terrorist groups have attacked Boulikessi in large numbers before. In October 2019, 25 Malian soldiers were killed. The target was a G5 Sahel force military camp.

Timbuktu has been in the sights of terrorist groups since 2012. The JNIM laid siege to the city, which has a major airport and a key military base, for several months in 2023.

In neighbouring Burkina Faso, there have been running battles in recent months between the military and terrorist groups. About 40% of the country is under the control of groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Military bases in the country have also been targeted.

Mali and Burkina Faso are under military rule. Insecurity, especially increasing terrorist attacks, were key reasons the military juntas gave for seizing power in both countries.

I have been researching terrorism and the formation of insurgent groups in West Africa and the Sahel for over a decade. What I am observing is that the terrorist groups are becoming more daring and constantly changing tactics, with increased attacks on military camps across the region.

Military camps are attacked to lower the morale of the soldiers and steal ammunition. It also sends a message to the locals that military forces are incapable of protecting civilians.