Focus on Africa Jihadist attacks on the rise in the Sahel
Jan 22, 2026
In this insightful discussion, Martin Mwangi, a BBC Monitoring contributor focused on the Sahel, provides a gripping analysis of recent jihadist attacks that have claimed many lives in Niger's Tillaberi region. He highlights the factors fueling violence, including weak governance and militant groups like the Islamic State. Meanwhile, Professor Sinfri Makoni, a South African linguist, explores how accents influence social perception and opportunities. He delves into the complexities of accent changes and their implications for identity and power dynamics.
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Tri-Border Weak Governance Enables Militancy
- The Tillaberi tri-border zone is sparse, poorly governed and porous, enabling militants to move freely across Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
- Militants exploit weak state presence and contested grazing lands to recruit, tax traders and demonstrate power.
Garouul Massacre Details
- On 18 January attackers stormed Garouul in Tillaberi, gathered villagers, executed 31 civilians and wounded seven others.
- Witnesses reported looting of livestock and burning of homes after the killings.
Local Conflicts Fuel Militant Power
- Ethnic tensions over grazing lands create local grievances that militants exploit to gain influence and recruits.
- Armed groups use taxation of traders and violent demonstrations to weaken state authority in the Sahel.