(VOVWORLD) - The Sahel region in sub-Saharan Africa is now the epicentre of terrorism, which is far higher than in the Middle East, according to the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP)’s latest report. Nearly half of the people killed by terrorist attacks worldwide are in this region.
 Nigerian soldiers launch an operation to hunt for Boko Haram rebels in Goniri, Yobe state, Nigeria. (photo: AFP/VNA) |
Burkina Faso is now ranked first on the list of countries most affected by terrorism with over 1,900 people killed in terrorist attacks last year, accounting for nearly a quarter of all terrorist deaths globally.
Jihadist groups collaborated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) have increased bloody attacks and seized territory, the report said. Nigeria and Mali ranked second and third in the list. These two countries have experienced political instability and clashes between armed groups and the military.
The report highlights many security challenges in Africa such as armed conflicts, poverty, and organized crimes, including drug trafficking. It recommends a global approach to ensure security and economic development, including increased cooperation among countries, targeted development aid, and programs to prevent the recruitment sources of armed terrorist groups.