West Africa's Sahel Islamist groups' networking growing- Security report

An increase in violent attacks linked to Islamist groups in West Africa’s Sahel region shows the growing capabilities and networking skills, according to an international security conference report.

According to extracts of the report cited by Reuters on Friday, three-quarters of battles with state security forces during 2018 were initiated by the group.

It cited Africa center for Strategic Studies data showing fatalities linked to Islamist militant activity more than doubled from 2017 to 1,082.

There was also a growing “security traffic jam” of military forces in the area including a United Nations mission, France’s Operation Barkhane, four European Union military and police training missions, and the G5 regional partnership established in 2015.

The report is due to be published on Monday at the annual Munich security conference from Feb. 15-17.

The Conference will bring together more than 600 government leaders and other decision makers.

Reuters