bbc.com
Sahel Region Surpasses Rest of World in Terrorism Deaths
In 2024, the Sahel region in Africa recorded 3,885 terrorism-related deaths—over half the global total—a tenfold increase since 2019, driven by extremist groups exploiting political instability and weak governance amid multiple coups, raising concerns about regional spillover.
- How have political instability, weak governance, and the recent coups in the Sahel contributed to the rise of terrorism in the region?
- The Sahel's high birth rate and a large youth population (two-thirds under 25) create a vulnerable pool for recruitment by extremist groups like IS-Sahel and JNIM. Political instability, weak governance, and six coups since 2020 have fueled this crisis, creating a power vacuum exploited by these groups.
- What is the significance of the Sahel region surpassing all other regions combined in terrorism-related deaths, and what are the immediate implications?
- The Sahel region in Africa accounted for over half (3,885 out of 7,555) of global terrorism-related deaths in 2024, marking a near tenfold increase since 2019. This surge, despite a global decline in terrorism deaths, highlights the region's escalating crisis and the urgent need for effective countermeasures.
- What are the long-term implications of the Sahel's shift away from Western allies towards Russia and China, and what are the potential consequences for regional security?
- The Sahel's increasing reliance on Russia and China for military support, coupled with the ineffectiveness of these partnerships, risks further instability. The potential for spillover into neighboring countries like Togo, already experiencing increased attacks, poses a significant threat to regional stability and security.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and opening sentence immediately establish the Sahel as the "epicentre of global terrorism", setting a strong and potentially alarmist tone. This framing emphasizes the severity of the situation in the Sahel while potentially downplaying terrorist activities elsewhere. The article also places strong emphasis on the rise of violence and military coups, which might create an overly negative image of the region.
Language Bias
The use of terms like "epicentre of global terrorism" and repeatedly referring to groups as "militant jihadist groups" contributes to a negative and alarmist tone. While these are descriptions supported by the GTI report, other, more neutral terms, like "extremist groups" or "insurgent groups" could be used alongside more loaded terms to offer a more balanced perspective. The term 'coup belt' contributes to a negative image of the region.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the violence and instability in the Sahel region, but it could benefit from including more context on the long-term historical, political, and economic factors that have contributed to the current situation. For instance, the impact of colonialism, neo-colonialism, and Western foreign policy decisions could be explored further. Additionally, the perspectives of those who might not see the groups as purely "terrorist" could add crucial context. While acknowledging space constraints, a brief mention of these additional factors would improve the analysis.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view by framing the situation as a clear-cut conflict between "terrorist" groups and governments. The reality is likely more nuanced, with complex power dynamics, internal conflicts within the groups themselves, and various actors vying for influence. Presenting the situation as a straightforward fight against terrorism overlooks the socio-economic grievances that contribute to the growth of extremist groups.
Gender Bias
The article features several female experts, which is positive. However, there's a slight imbalance in the focus given to personal experiences in the quotes. While Beverly Ochieng's perspective on the vulnerability of communities is valuable, it might benefit from being balanced with other types of expert opinions to avoid over-relying on personal experiences. Overall, gender bias isn't a significant issue.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the significant negative impact of terrorism and political instability on peace, justice, and strong institutions in the Sahel region. The numerous coups, weak governance, and the expansion of militant groups undermine the rule of law, security, and stability, hindering progress towards SDG 16. The involvement of external actors like Russia further complicates the situation.