The latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report has sounded the alarm on the growing threat of terrorism in Africa, with the Sahel region emerging as the epicenter of global terrorism. According to the report, the number of countries experiencing terrorist incidents increased from 58 to 66 in 2024, with Africa bearing the brunt of the menace.

The GTI report, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, highlights the rapid expansion of militant jihadist groups in the Sahel region, which has become a hotbed of terrorist activity. The region's weak governance, political instability, and ongoing conflicts have created an environment conducive to the growth of extremist groups, which have exploited security vacuums to spread their influence.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Somalia are among the African countries most affected by terrorism, with state institutions remaining fragile and extremist groups continuing to exploit security weaknesses. The report notes that the shift in terrorist activity from the Middle East to sub-Saharan Africa further underscores the continent's growing vulnerability to extremist violence.

The GTI report reveals that Islamic State (IS) and its affiliates remain the deadliest group, responsible for 1,805 deaths across 22 countries. The Sahel region accounts for over half of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide, with five of the ten countries most impacted by terrorism located in this region. Notably, Burkina Faso was identified as the most terrorism-affected country in 2024, despite a 57% drop in attacks and a 21% decline in deaths.

The report also highlights the growing threat of lone-wolf attacks in Western nations, which now account for 93% of fatal attacks over the past five years. The four major terrorist groups—IS, JNIM, TTP, and al-Shabaab—were active in 30 countries, with fatalities attributed to them increasing by 11% to 4,204.

The top 10 African countries most affected by terrorism, according to the GTI report, are Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, Cameroon, DR Congo, Mozambique, Kenya, and Chad. The worsening security situation across these nations highlights the growing influence of jihadist groups and the need for stronger counterterrorism efforts.

The GTI report's findings have significant implications for global security, underscoring the need for concerted international efforts to combat the growing threat of terrorism in Africa. As the continent's vulnerability to extremist violence continues to grow, it is imperative that governments, international organizations, and civil society work together to address the root causes of terrorism and develop effective strategies to counter its spread.

In conclusion, the 2025 Global Terrorism Index report paints a grim picture of the growing threat of terrorism in Africa, with the Sahel region emerging as the epicenter of global terrorism. As the international community grapples with the complexities of this menace, it is essential to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and work towards developing a comprehensive and coordinated response to combat the spread of terrorism in Africa.