Extremist Groups Gain Foothold in West African Coastal Regions

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The coastal regions of West Africa, traditionally known for their relative stability, are now facing the growing presence of extremist groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State. One individual, Zackari, has become a symbol of resistance against these insurgents, refusing to join their ranks and subsequently becoming a target for their retaliation.

For over a year now, Zackari has been on the run from these jihadist fighters who relentlessly pursue him. They make ominous calls to the 33-year-old, reminding him, “We haven’t forgotten about you.”

This surge in extremism is a concerning development, as these militant organizations have been expanding their influence from the arid Sahel region, south of the Sahara Desert, into the wealthier coastal nations of West Africa, including Benin. While initial concerns revolved around the possibility of these groups using coastal territories as bases for attacks on Sahel governments, the reality is that militancy is taking root in these coastal states.

Benin, in particular, has been severely affected by this phenomenon. In the current year, it witnessed more than ten times the number of violent incidents involving jihadists compared to neighboring Togo. Attacks against civilians in Benin have nearly tripled from the previous year, reaching approximately 80 incidents. Overall, incidents involving jihadi groups have increased by over 70%.

Kars de Bruijne, a senior research fellow and head of the Sahel program at the Clingendael Institute, notes that these extremist organizations are actively expanding their presence in Benin. They are establishing cells, recruiting followers, and exerting their influence. Their activities are concentrated in the northern regions of the country, where they seek to recruit informants and sow discord within local communities.

Residents of towns like Materi, situated in the affected northern areas, are living in constant fear due to the jihadi threat. These fighters plant explosives and carry out abductions, creating a climate of terror and undermining the legitimacy of the state. In response, the government has imposed curfews and banned gatherings, further restricting the freedom of the local population.

Kidnappings by jihadists in Benin have surged from zero in 2021 to 33 this year, while explosions have become more frequent, disrupting daily life and economic activities. The growing violence has led to the displacement of thousands of people from their homes, raising concerns of a humanitarian crisis. Farmers are also being forced off their lands, potentially leading to food insecurity on a significant scale.

To address this escalating crisis, the Beninese government is bolstering its military presence along the borders and recruiting additional soldiers. However, residents in the northern regions complain that the army is underequipped and often responds too slowly to attacks, an assertion the government denies.

Unlike its neighboring countries of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, which have seen violent insurgencies and anti-French sentiment leading to military coups and the expulsion of French troops, Benin remains open to assistance from its former colonial power, France. While France does not maintain a permanent base in Benin, its troops can participate in training programs with Beninese soldiers.

Nevertheless, Benin’s government is also facing criticism for downplaying the extent of the crisis to protect its image. It has cracked down on freedom of speech and arrested journalists reporting on insecurity. Local officials assert that the problem is confined to the border with Burkina Faso, a claim disputed by residents in the north.

Benin, an agricultural nation of 13 million people, has invested heavily in culture, tourism, and industrial development. Despite these efforts, there is an information gap, leaving many people in other parts of the country unaware of the security issues in the north. This lack of awareness, coupled with government restrictions on information, is pushing some individuals toward the extremist groups.

The international community is attempting to address the situation by sensitizing people to the dangers of joining jihadist groups and organizing community dialogues with officials to build trust. Diplomats and aid groups are also increasing their investments in the region. For instance, the World Bank has initiated a five-year project with a $450 million budget aimed at bolstering local institutions and economic opportunities in border communities across northern Benin and neighboring countries.

In the face of these challenges, the extremist groups seem to be gaining ground not only in terms of territorial control but also in the realm of public perception. They promise to bring much-needed infrastructure to impoverished villages, luring frustrated individuals who see little improvement from the government. As the situation continues to evolve, Benin and its neighbors face the daunting task of countering extremism while addressing the underlying socio-economic issues that contribute to its appeal.

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More about Extremism in West Africa

• Extremist Groups in West Africa
• Violence in Benin
• Counterterrorism Efforts
• Sahel Region
• International Response