Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, the top US general in Africa, raised alarm over the escalating threat of terrorism in the Sahel region, specifically focusing on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. In a press briefing during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, he characterized the Sahel as “the epicenter of terrorism.” Langley noted that these nations are facing severe crises, with government control diminishing, particularly in Burkina Faso, which has seen a significant increase in terrorist activity tied to groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda.
The general emphasized that terrorist networks, such as ISIS-Sahel and Jama’at Nusrat ul Islam wa al Muslimin (JNIM), are not only flourishing but are also expanding geographically. Their ambition to establish access to the coast of West Africa raises concerns about direct threats reaching the United States. Langley explained that securing coastal territories would enable these groups to fund their operations through illicit activities, such as smuggling and human trafficking, further extending their operational reach beyond Africa.
Of particular concern is JNIM, which Langley revealed has experienced a fourfold increase in strength since 2022. This alarming growth signals a potential capacity for launching attacks that could threaten the US homeland. The US military’s withdrawal from Niger last year, following the termination of a strategic agreement with the governing junta, has exacerbated the situation by limiting American surveillance over these terror groups. Langley indicated that the diminished presence has resulted in a troubling rise in both the number and complexity of attacks in not just Niger, but throughout the Sahel region.
Despite the withdrawal, Langley ensured that the US remains engaged, seeking to establish collaborative efforts with Sahelian nations like Burkina Faso and Nigeria to combat this troubling surge in violence. He acknowledged the limitations imposed by the US military’s absence, stating that the inability to closely monitor these extremist activities has been a significant setback in counterterrorism operations. The general expressed deep concerns regarding the increasing brutality and scale of attacks resulting from the destabilization in the region.
In addition to addressing the immediate threat of terrorism, Langley outlined broader strategies to counter the rising tide of extremism. This involves enhancing partnerships with local governments and military forces to share intelligence and resources more effectively. These collaborations are crucial for developing a multi-faceted approach to stabilize the region and combat the pervasive influence of extremist groups. The need for an inclusive strategy that integrates local knowledge and resources is evident in the struggle against such a complex and evolving threat landscape.
Langley’s warnings underscore the urgent need for a proactive response to the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel. The potential for terror groups to leverage regional chaos to launch attacks on the US heightens the importance of international cooperation and support for African nations grappling with this unprecedented threat. As the global landscape continues to evolve, the implications of unaddressed extremism in Africa could resonate far beyond the continent, necessitating a concerted effort from the international community to ensure stability and security in the Sahel region and beyond.
