Sahel
Navigating violent Extremism in the Sahel
The vast and diverse Sahel region extends over an incredible 5,400 kilometres (3,360 miles), reaching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea in Africa. This transitional landscape sits between the arid Sahara Desert to the north and the lush savannas and tropical forests to the south. As it spans through multiple countries such as Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Sudan, and Eritrea, the Sahel encompasses stunning natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage.
In the Sahel region, a melting pot of diverse ethnic groups, competition over resources, political dominance, and past grievances often give rise to tensions and conflicts between different communities. Moreover, chronic poverty, limited economic prospects, and food insecurity further fuel social discord and disputes over valuable resources. Adding to the complexity of the situation, extremist groups, including jihadist organisations, have been known to capitalise on existing grievances and ethnic animosities to build support and exert control.
Local governments, international organisations, and NGOs are actively working together to tackle the complex challenges faced in the Sahel region. The key areas of focus include promoting sustainable development, effective resource management, and peaceful conflict resolution. Our attention in the Sahel lies in locating and disclosing mass burial sites that have arisen from the aforementioned conflicts, and ensuring that they are reported to the relevant authorities.
Bamako
ߓߡߊ߬ߞߐ߬
On February 28, Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) militants from the Katiba Masina group attacked the FAMA military base in Kvale (Kulikoro region), located north of the capital Bamako.
The terrorists were very well prepared and powerfully armed. It is possible that this group received help from Mauritania.
Impact of the Attack
Casualties
27 FDS (Sahel Development Fund) employees and FAMA fighters were killed, 21 people were wounded.
Property Damage
14 units of equipment at the base were burned.
Plundered Resources
The militants seized a total of 88 weapons and equipment during the attack.
Political Updates on Mali
-
Niger revokes military agreement with US, calls for withdrawal from Sahel
The new government is terminating its defense contract with the United States. In addition to the fact that 2 American air bases near Niamey and Agadez must be abandoned (and this is about 1.1 thousand military specialists throughout the country), Niger demands that the United States withdraw its forces from the Sahel countries as a whole.
-
Niger ends military partnership with EU, formed joint force with neighbours
In December 2023, Niger terminated its military agreement with the European Union under the EUCAP Sahel Niger mission. Around 120 European specialists were stationed in Niamey, albeit in smaller numbers. Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have agreed to create a joint force to combat security threats in their territories, said the head of the Niger armed forces, Moussa Salau Barmou, after a meeting with his colleagues.
Current Events in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger
-
Situation for March 1 - 18, 2024
Seven months after the formation of the Sahel Alliance, member states decided to create a joint force to counter the terrorists plaguing the region.
In Mali, militants, after defeats in the north, are gradually shifting their area of activity to the south. Former military leaders of the Coordination Movement of Azawad, who have connections in Mauritania, where, as it became known, some attacks are being prepared, also come over to their side.
The Armed Forces of Burkina Faso continue to carry out operations to regain control in the west and east of the country. At the same time, the terrorists, exhausted after a series of terrorist attacks in February, reduced their activity in early March.
A period of “thaw” has begun between Niger and the ECOWAS member countries, during which the parties are gradually restoring economic relations. Against this background, the Niger authorities announced the severance of military cooperation with the United States, and also accused Washington of lack of assistance in the fight against terrorists, pressure and threats, as well as refusal to inform about the activities of its military representatives.
Case Number
20241020ST
Case Date of Filing
20/10/2024
Suspected/Known Time of Incident
Local Time and Date: 09:00-16:00hrs. 24/08/2024 (GM Timezone)
GMT/Zulu Time and Date: 09:00-16:00hrs. 24/08/2024
Case Researcher(s)
Sahel Team
Barsalogho, Burkina Faso
The Barsalogho massacre unfolded in Burkina Faso’s Sahel region, where militants from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate, launched a brutal attack on civilians over several hours.
The attack targeted villagers sheltering in newly dug defensive trenches ordered by the military to protect the town from nearby jihadist activity. Eyewitnesses and videos show at least 124 bodies along the trenches, with the UN estimating 200 deaths, JNIM claiming 300, and French intelligence suggesting up to 600 victims.
The militants, numbering several dozen and arriving on motorcycles, primarily targeted women, children, and unarmed men. Execution-style killings were carried out at close range. The victims had no military affiliation or weapons, as confirmed by footage reviewed by Bellingcat.
The massacre occurred amidst worsening violence in the region, which has already claimed over 20,000 lives since 2015, further exacerbating tensions under the rule of junta leader Ibrahim Traoré.
Case Location:
Latitude/Longitude (WGS84)
13.4151° N , 1.0564° W
Town/Region/Country
Barsalogho, Sanmatenga Province of central Burkina Faso
Individual Incident Locations:
Potential Location 1- Trench site at 13°31'30"N, 1°20'27"E, about 3.8 km east of Barsalogho. This location was identified through geolocation analysis of JNIM videos and satellite imagery.
Casualties
Total Suspected/Known Number of Casualties: 200-600
Injured: Approximately 300 injured, with 120 evacuated to a hospital in Kaya.
Fatalities in Incident: NA
Fatalities in Grave: NA
Further Casualty Information:
Age Range: All ages
Genders: Males and Females
Ethnicity/ies: Barsalogho Locals
Suspected or Known Aggressors:
Group/Tribe/Militia/Organisation: Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate.
Suspected/Known Quantity of Participants: 80-100+
Aggressor Evidence Below:
The attack involved a large group of militants, most of whom arrived on motorcycles, as is typical of JNIM operations. They executed civilians in the trenches with small arms fire, as captured in several videos showing bodies along the trench line
Immediate Evaluation:
To ensure future protection for residents in Barsalogho and the surrounding areas, several immediate measures must be taken. Firstly, there is an urgent need for improved military presence. The forced conscription of civilians into defence roles without adequate protection has proven disastrous, and the military’s lack of readiness during the attack highlights severe gaps in their war against JNIM. International support, particularly in intelligence gathering and training of local forces, could strengthen future defences.The Bigger Picture:The political instability under the junta led by Ibrahim Traoré compounds these issues. The junta’s failure to heed warnings about JNIM’s impending attack, and its insufficient response during the massacre, further erodes trust among the local population. The junta's weakened capacity to counter jihadist forces like JNIM makes it likely that similar atrocities will continue throughout the region unless there is a drastic overhaul in security policy and military engagement.In addition, community-driven defence mechanisms, supported by better-equipped local forces, may be essential in stabilizing the region. International peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance will also be critical to prevent future violence, particularly as JNIM and other extremist groups continue to exploit the current political vacuum.
