Analysts are concerned that the removal of U.S. and French military presence from the Sahel region has resulted in Russian mercenaries assuming their roles, leading to an increase in terrorist attacks. The Sahel, a region running along the edge of the Sahara, has seen a rapid increase in violent incidents, with 3,885 fatalities recorded in 2024, according to the Global Terrorism Index.
Military juntas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have expelled Western forces, effectively replacing them with Russian private armies. However, these mercenaries are more focused on securing mineral resources than providing security, according to reports. This has left local populations exposed to the ongoing threat of terrorism, with civilians often being the victims of the violence.
The situation is further compounded by the geopolitical environment, with Russia’s interests in securing resource supply chains dominating over security concerns. Analysts suggest that without a stronger Western presence, the region’s instability is likely to continue, with jihadist groups like the Islamic State and al-Qaeda expanding their influence.
As the countries of the Sahel continue to face internal and external threats, the lack of sustained Western support has enabled extremism to flourish, with severe consequences for the local population.