The 2026 Global Terrorism Index reports a decline in terrorism-related violence across several Sahel countries in 2025, even as the region remains the most affected globally.
Countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali recorded significant drops in deaths, while Niger also saw fewer attacks, reflecting a fragile but notable improvement in security.
However, the report warns that the Sahel still accounts for over half of global terrorism deaths, driven by persistent activity from groups like JNIM and the Islamic State.
It highlights ongoing challenges such as weak state control, cross-border threats, and socio-economic factors fueling recruitment, despite increased military cooperation among Sahelian states under initiatives led by Assimi Goïta and regional alliances.
