Professor Kwasi Aning and Nina Wilén on West Africa’s Terrorist Challenges, A Counter Extremism Project
In a recent joint publication by Professor Kwesi Aning and Nina Wilén on West Africa’s terrorist challenges, a Counter Extremism Project titled “Countering Extremism in West Africa: What Options Are Left?” (March 2025), the executive summary highlights vital insights into the complexities of countering extremism in the Sahel region and the shortcomings of past Western and multilateral security interventions. It emphasizes the need for a shift toward more holistic approaches.
The analysis highlights the ineffectiveness of militarized strategies in addressing the root causes of instability—such as food insecurity, limited access to basic services, and lack of economic opportunities—particularly in Mali and Burkina Faso over the past decade.
It stresses that military actions alone are insufficient to resolve the security crisis in the Sahel and underscores the necessity of political engagement from local, national, and regional stakeholders to achieve sustainable solutions.
Key lessons learned include the importance of local ownership, the unreliability of certain partners, and the risk of military equipment falling into the wrong hands.
Looking ahead, the report suggests prioritizing collaboration with committed partners, avoiding overwhelming partner states with excessive support, aligning assistance with local capacities, and balancing military interventions with political and developmental approaches. It also advocates for countering disinformation, strengthening local media, and expanding health and vaccination support to better meet community needs.
The executive summary concludes that the security situation in the Sahel remains deeply challenging and calls for a renewed focus on local ownership, strategic partnerships, and a comprehensive approach that integrates security, governance, and development. Future initiatives must avoid repeating past mistakes, address underlying issues, and empower local populations to prevent further instability.
Read Full Publication: Countering Extremism in West Africa: What
Options Are Left?
