Escalating terror: ISIS attacks surge in Africa early 2024

In the first half of 2024, the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for 788 attacks worldwide, according to the US Africa Command (AFRICOM). Of these attacks, 536 occurred in Africa. The continent has been a significant area of operation for terrorists for some time now.

Africa faces an escalating security crisis, as evidenced by the data from the first half of 2024. It indicates an alarming increase in terrorist activity, particularly from the so-called Islamic State.

ISIS attacks in Africa in the first half of 2024 resulted in 2,142 deaths. The highest number of fatalities was recorded in West Africa, where 1,115 people were killed. This region is especially susceptible to terrorist activities by groups such as the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).

Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria are the countries most affected by terrorist actions. In Mali and Burkina Faso, the security vacuum resulting from the withdrawal of UN and French armed forces has created favourable conditions for ISIS operations.

In Nigeria, according to the local newspaper "Premium Times," ISWAP conducted 232 attacks, resulting in 609 deaths in the first half of 2024. Although ISWAP focuses its activities mainly on northeastern Nigeria, its influence extends to Chad and Cameroon. In Cameroon, at least 40 people have already been killed by terrorists this year.

Leonardo Simao, the UN special representative for West Africa, warned that terrorism is now spreading to the coastal states of the continent. In response to the threat, countries in the region are increasing defence spending and strengthening international cooperation. For example, Benin increased its defence budget by 12% in 2022 and tightened military cooperation with Rwanda and the United States.

Experts predict that the security situation in West Africa may further deteriorate soon. This is particularly important for European countries due to the potential consequences of increased migration.