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North Africa and the Sahel

Stories under this heading cover North Africa and the Sahel. North Africa is a region encompassing the northern portion of the African continent. It stretches from the Atlantic shores of Mauritania to Egypt's Suez Canal and the Red Sea. The Sahel spans from the eastern shores of the African continent, starting from Sudan and continuing up to the Atlantic shores of Mauritania and Senegal.

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Report speaks of resurgence of Al Qaida and ISIS in Sahel and Syria
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Report speaks of resurgence of Al Qaida and ISIS in Sahel and Syria

1 August 2025
A new UN expert report to the Security Council released Wednesday (30 July) highlights the escalating threat posed by Islamic State (ISIS) and al‑Qaida affiliates across Africa, with risks also rising in Syria. The report claims that Africa has now become the centre of extremist activity as groups exploit weakened governance and regional instability. In Syria, the post‑Assad transition remains volatile. The report warns that both ISIS and al‑Qaida perceive Syria as a strategic base for international operations. Over 5,000 foreign fighters are believed to have participated in the December 2024 offensive in Damascus, raising fears of ideological spread and extremist infiltration across borders. The report also notes the dangers of online radicalisation. Groups such as ISIS continue to radicalise individuals and orchestrate attacks in Europe, America and beyond via secure messaging networks.

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Editor's choice
Analysis
Burkina Faso votes despite violent insurgency
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Burkina Faso votes despite violent insurgency

22 November 2020
Voting took place on Sunday (22 November) in presidential and parliamentary elections in Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in the Sahel Region of Africa. The elections were overshadowed by violence from an Islamist insurgency. President Kabore is expected to win reelection, while opposition candidates have warned of "massive electoral fraud." Official results are not expected for some days
Noman Ahmed
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Analysis
Tensions rise between Morocco and the POLISARIO Front in Western Sahara
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Tensions rise between Morocco and the POLISARIO Front in Western Sahara

19 November 2020
The UN, through its mission – MINURSO, is still expected to maintain the ceasefire, and take quick steps to determine the political future of the Sahara. Yet the effectiveness of MINURSO, without a renewed commitment from Morocco and the Polisario Front, is doubtful.
Noman Ahmed
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