What's happened
Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley highlighted the Sahel region as a terrorism epicenter, citing the resurgence of extremist groups like ISIS and al-Qaida. He expressed concerns over the loss of US military oversight following the withdrawal from Niger, which has led to increased attacks across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
What's behind the headline?
Current Situation
- Gen. Langley describes the Sahel as the 'epicenter of terrorism,' with groups like JNIM expanding their reach.
- The US military's withdrawal has diminished its ability to monitor these threats effectively.
Implications
- Increased attacks in the region could lead to greater instability, affecting not only African nations but also posing risks to US security.
- The shift in US military strategy towards 'independent operations' raises concerns about the capacity of local forces to combat these threats.
Future Outlook
- The US may need to reconsider its military presence and support in the region to counter the growing influence of extremist groups.
- Collaboration with local governments will be crucial in addressing the security challenges posed by these organizations.
What the papers say
According to the NY Post, Gen. Langley emphasized that terrorist networks are thriving in the Sahel, particularly in Burkina Faso, where the government has lost control over significant territories. He warned that if these groups gain access to West African coastlines, they could finance their operations through smuggling and trafficking. In contrast, All Africa reported on the shift in US military strategy towards 'burden sharing,' indicating a reduced emphasis on a comprehensive approach to security that previously characterized US engagement in Africa. The Independent noted that this shift reflects a broader trend of scaling back Western military involvement, which could allow insurgencies to gain ground amid weak governance.
How we got here
The Sahel region has seen a rise in terrorist activities, particularly after the US military's withdrawal from Niger in 2024. This has allowed groups like ISIS-Sahel and al-Qaida to expand their influence, threatening regional stability and US interests.
Go deeper
- What specific actions is the US considering in response?
- How are local governments reacting to the rise in terrorism?
- What impact does this have on US foreign policy in Africa?
Common question
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What is the Current Situation with ISIS in Syria and the Sahel?
The rise of ISIS in Syria and the Sahel region has raised significant concerns about global security. Recent attacks and the resurgence of extremist groups highlight the complexities of the situation. Here, we explore the latest developments and their implications for regional stability and international efforts to combat terrorism.
More on these topics
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Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.3 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of Earth's total surface area and 20% of its land area.
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The Sahel is the ecoclimatic and biogeographic zone of transition in Africa between the Sahara to the north and the Sudanian savanna to the south.
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Somalia, officially the Federal Republic of Somalia, is a sovereign country in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, the Gulf of Aden to the north, the Guardafui Channel and Somali Sea to the east, and Kenya to the southwest.
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Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP, also known as Ansar al-Sharia in Yemen, is a militant Islamist group primarily active in Yemen and Saudi Arabia that is part of the al-Qaeda network.