African Countries Most Affected by Terrorism

Local branch of al qaeda militants in west africa (Photo Credit: The Times)

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The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), provides an in-depth analysis of terrorism trends over the last 17 years. The report evaluates 163 countries, covering 99.7% of the world's population, to assess the impact of terrorism based on indicators such as the number of incidents, fatalities, injuries, and hostages.

The 2025 GTI report reveals a significant shift in global terrorism patterns, with Africa emerging as the new epicenter of terrorist activities. The Sahel region, in particular, has seen a dramatic increase in terrorist operations, driven by political instability, weak governance, and ongoing conflicts. This shift marks a notable change from previous years, where the Middle East was the primary region affected by terrorism.

The Rising Threat of Terrorism in Africa

The latest GTI findings highlight the growing influence of terrorist groups in Africa. The Sahel region has become a hotspot for extremist activities, primarily due to the rapid expansion of jihadist groups. Several African nations are experiencing heightened threats, with a notable increase in terrorist incidents, fatalities, and economic consequences.

Key Factors Driving Terrorism in Africa

1. Political Instability – Many African nations face ongoing governance challenges, creating security gaps that terrorist groups exploit.
2. Weak State Institutions – Fragile governments struggle to maintain law and order, allowing extremist groups to operate freely.
3. Economic Hardship – High unemployment and lack of economic opportunities make recruitment into terrorist organizations more appealing.
4. Ethnic and Religious Tensions – Conflicts among different ethnic and religious groups fuel radicalization and extremist violence.
5. Foreign Influence – External support for militant groups, either through funding or ideological backing, exacerbates terrorism in the region.

Increase in Global Terrorism Incidents

The number of countries experiencing terrorist attacks increased from 58 to 66 in 2024, reversing the downward trend observed in previous years. This rise is primarily due to the growing activities of extremist groups in the Sahel region. Countries such as Somalia, Mali, and Burkina Faso have been particularly affected, as fragile state institutions have struggled to counter the threat effectively.

African Countries Most Affected by Terrorism

Below is a table highlighting the top 20 most affected African countries based on their Terrorism Impact Score:

Top 20 Most Affected African Countries by Terrorism Impact Score

Rank	Country	Terrorism Impact Score
1	Burkina Faso	8.581
2	Mali	7.907
3	Niger	7.776
4	Nigeria	7.658
5	Somalia	7.614
6	Cameroon	6.944
7	DR Congo	6.768
8	Mozambique	6.251
9	Kenya	5.366
10	Chad	5.032
11	Togo	5.004
12	Benin	4.802
13	Egypt	4.416
14	Burundi	4.043
15	Uganda	3.702
16	Algeria	2.415
17	Tunisia	2.184
18	Angola	1.657
19	Libya	1.612
20	Senegal	1.578

The Shift from the Middle East to Africa

Historically, the Middle East was considered the global hub of terrorism. However, recent trends indicate a geographical shift, with sub-Saharan Africa emerging as the primary target of terrorist activities. This transition is driven by:

• The decline of major terrorist groups in the Middle East, such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda, due to military interventions.
• The expansion of regional extremist factions in Africa, including Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab, and ISIS-affiliated groups.
• A lack of coordinated counterterrorism efforts among African nations, making it easier for terrorist organizations to operate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Global Terrorism Index (GTI)?

The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) is an annual report by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) that assesses the impact of terrorism worldwide based on incidents, fatalities, injuries, and hostages.

2. Why is Africa now the epicenter of terrorism?

Africa has become the new terrorism hotspot due to weak governance, ongoing conflicts, political instability, and economic hardship, which allow extremist groups to expand their influence.

3. Which African countries are most affected by terrorism?

The most affected countries include Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Somalia, as they experience high terrorism-related fatalities and attacks.

4. How does terrorism impact African economies?

Terrorism leads to economic decline, reduced foreign investments, and disrupted trade, while also straining national security budgets and displacing populations.

5. What is being done to counter terrorism in Africa?

Efforts include international cooperation, military operations, economic reforms, and intelligence sharing to combat extremist groups effectively.

Conclusion

The 2025 Global Terrorism Index underscores the growing threat of terrorism in Africa, with the Sahel region emerging as a focal point of extremist violence. Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach, including strong governance, economic stability, military action, and international collaboration. If left unchecked, the rising terrorism trends could further destabilize the region and have long-term consequences on global security and economic development.