Al-Qaeda/ISIS

The Islamic State extremist group is intensifying its activities amidst the political turmoil in West Africa and the Sahel, with a continued focus on international attacks. On Thursday, a senior U.N. counterterrorism official warned the Security Council that the Islamic State and related terrorist groups could extend their influence over a significant portion of Africa. In his briefing, Vladimir Voronkov, U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Counterterrorism, revealed that IS affiliates have expanded their operational areas in West Africa and the Sahel. He described the situation as “challenging and complex,” noting that these groups are causing high casualties and destabilizing the region. Voronkov highlighted that two key IS affiliates, the Islamic State West Africa Province and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahel, have grown their influence. If their reach extends further into northern states, they could control territory stretching from Mali to northern Nigeria. He also noted that IS affiliates have increased their activities in other African regions, including Mozambique, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.