U.N. Warns of Growing Islamic State Influence in West Africa and Sahel

The U.N. Security Council was alerted on Thursday by Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov about the escalating power of the Islamic State (ISIS) and its affiliates in West Africa and the Sahel region. Voronkov cautioned that if current trends persist, ISIS could soon gain “effective control” over a vast territory stretching from Mali to northern Nigeria. He emphasized the group's increasing decentralization and flexibility, which allows it to exploit the complex political landscape marked by government overthrows and ethnic conflicts. Natalia Gherman, director of the U.N. counter-terrorism committee, echoed Voronkov's concerns, noting that Africa now accounts for nearly half of global terrorist acts, with the central Sahel region responsible for about 25% of these incidents. Gherman highlighted ISIS's growing sophistication in utilizing technology, including drones and cryptocurrency, and stressed the importance of collaboration with national governments and Interpol to combat ISIS's online presence. Interpol Secretary-General Jurgen Stock reported on the troubling convergence of terrorist and criminal organizations in the Sahel, particularly in drug trafficking. He noted that these interactions often benefit both parties, complicating counter-terrorism efforts. Voronkov also addressed the threat posed by ISIS-K, the group's affiliate in Afghanistan, which has bolstered its financial and logistical capabilities while increasing recruitment. In response to the rising threat, Algeria urged the U.N. to enhance funding for the African Union to combat the influence of ISIS and al-Qaeda. The meeting underscored the urgent need for international cooperation to prevent further destabilization in the region.