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Opportunism and localism drive Africa Islamist groups

Location:

AFRICA

Militants targeted Baga town in Borno state on January 3. Unverified reports suggest that this may have been the group's most deadly attack on civilians to date. From Boko Haram…

Deep-rooted corruption keeps Nigerien state weak

Location:

NIGER

The authorities said they found a record-breaking 214 kilograms of cocaine in the mayor's car. This is only the latest in a series of 'drug busts' in the Sahel recent years, and…

Role of Islam in the Sahel is multifaceted

Location:

SAHEL

The principal armed militant groups are aligned with al-Qaida or Islamic State. However, Islam plays a wider role in societies from Senegal to Chad and is a cornerstone of family…

Gold fields could be source of stability for the Sahel

Location:

SAHEL

However, the region’s governments have not been able to take advantage of it, allowing artisanal gold fields to act as a magnet for violence and to contribute to funding armed…

Tramadol control poses international medical risks

Location:

INTERNATIONAL

Diversion from legitimate pharmaceutical stocks, counterfeiting, adulteration and false labelling are key problems. National and international responses emphasising stricter…

Sahel smugglers move into gold and counterfeit drugs

Location:

SAHEL

Some traditional forms of trafficking, such as cocaine, are somewhat contracting, while new ones, for instance counterfeit medicines, are booming. None has disappeared; instead…

West Africa's Fulanis face mounting pressures

Location:

WEST AFRICA

Problems facing Fulani communities in the Sahel.

Counterterrorism efforts in West Africa to fall short

Location:

WEST AFRICA

The Malian conflict, along with insecurity linked to Boko Haram in the Lake Chad border region and concerns about Libya's southern borders, is raising questions over the…

Niger security will worsen amid regional turbulence

Location:

NIGER

Foremost among them are insecurity and regional instability: six French nationals and two Nigeriens were killed in an attack in Koure on August 9, while in neighbouring Mali a…

Climate change could intensify Sahel conflicts

Location:

SAHEL

It will increase rainfall variability and extreme events such as droughts and floods, as well as raising temperatures. These effects may trigger cascading risks to economic…