Islamist extremist violence in Africa's Sahel region is projected to reach historic highs this year, according to new figures compiled by the conflict monitor Acled. This expected surge is attributed to a series of sweeping offensives carried out by groups linked to both al Qaida and Islamic State.
These developments underline how the Sahel region has solidified its position as a central hub for Islamist terror, 25 years after the attacks launched by al Qaida. The statistics also highlight the veteran organization's continued expansion across parts of Africa, presenting a significant contrast to its relative weakness elsewhere in the world.