What's happened
The UN Security Council has called for urgent regional action to combat rising terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel, highlighting expanding terrorist networks, increasing violence, and underfunded humanitarian efforts. Leaders emphasize the need for cooperation, trust, and sustained international support to address root causes and regional instability. Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2025.
What's behind the headline?
The recent UN Security Council statements underscore the gravity of the threat, framing terrorism as a growing global issue rooted in regional instability. The emphasis on trust-building among West African states and regional cooperation reflects an understanding that fragmented efforts are ineffective. The calls for predictable funding and intelligence sharing highlight the need for a unified, strategic approach. The focus on addressing root causes—poverty, governance, climate shocks—indicates that military action alone will not suffice; sustainable development and political stability are essential. The international community's role remains critical, but success hinges on regional trust and coordinated action. The current underfunding of humanitarian aid signals a risk of worsening displacement and violence unless immediate, sustained support is mobilized.
What the papers say
All Africa reports from Nov 19 and Nov 21 detail the UN Security Council's urgent calls for regional cooperation and increased funding. The articles highlight the expanding scope of terrorist attacks, the fragmentation of regional initiatives, and the importance of trust among West African nations. US and ECOWAS officials emphasize the severity of violence, especially in Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso, and advocate for a comprehensive, Africa-led strategy. The coverage contrasts the international focus on security with the regional leaders' push for political and developmental solutions, illustrating the complexity of the crisis and the necessity for a coordinated response.
How we got here
Over recent years, West Africa and the Sahel have experienced a surge in terrorist activity, driven by groups like JNIM, ISGS, Boko Haram, and ISIS-West Africa. Political instability, coups, and weak governance have compounded security challenges, while environmental and economic issues have fueled extremism. International efforts have been fragmented, with underfunded humanitarian aid and limited regional coordination, exacerbating the crisis.
Go deeper
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Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a sovereign country located in West Africa bordering Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east, and Benin in the west.
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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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Mali, officially the Republic of Mali, is a landlocked country in West Africa. Mali is the eighth-largest country in Africa, with an area of just over 1,240,000 square kilometres.
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The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with ensuring international peace and security, recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly, and approving any changes to the UN
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Niger or the Niger, officially the Republic of the Niger, is a landlocked country in West Africa named after the Niger River. Niger is bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin to the southwest, Mali to the north-we
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Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa. It covers an area of around 274,200 square kilometres and is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north and west; Niger to the east; Benin to the southeast; Togo to the southeast; Ghana to the south