This event is organized by the CERI research group Africa: Citizenship, Violence, and Politics in collaboration with the Africa Programme.
Since its formation in 2017, the Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has emerged as a dominant armed force in the central Sahel. The group has solidified its presence across regions in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, utilizing various katibas to challenge state authority and establish local governance. For those following Burkina government news, the group’s influence on regional stability is a primary concern.
The southward push: Beyond the central Sahel
Since 2019, JNIM has shifted its focus toward the southern Sahel, targeting the Gulf of Guinea. This expansion has led to significant attacks in northern Bénin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire. However, this progression is not uniform. While Bénin saw a sharp increase in violence in 2025, Ghana has remained largely unaffected. Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire, which faced attacks between 2020 and 2022, has seen a sudden halt in claimed actions by the group. These shifts are often discussed in Ouaga latest news circles as observers try to decode the movement’s next steps.
The strategic dilemma of territorial expansion
A recent report from the International Crisis Group delves into the surprising geography of this movement. The analysis suggests that expanding territory is not a simple choice but a strategic dilemma for JNIM. Internal leadership levels often disagree on priorities. Failure to expand could allow rival factions to seize opportunities or discourage their own fighters. Conversely, rapid growth risks overstretching resources, creating internal tension and potential fragmentation. This complexity is essential for understanding Burkina Faso English reports on the evolving security landscape.
In the current West African geopolitical climate—marked by the emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), its break with ECOWAS, and ongoing regional friction—grasping JNIM’s internal logic is vital. This understanding is a prerequisite for creating coherent security policies in nations wary of jihadist growth. Staying informed via Faso news today and Ouagadougou news remains critical for regional stakeholders.
Details and participants
- Date: February 24, 2026, from 18:00 to 19:30
- Location: Room K011, 1 pl. Saint-Thomas-d’Aquin, 75007, Paris
Speakers:
Jean-Hervé Jézéquel (International Crisis Group)
As the Sahel Project Director for the International Crisis Group, Jézéquel focuses on the political and security issues of the Sahel and its surrounding areas. He holds a PhD from the École des hautes études en sciences sociales (EHESS).
Marte Beldé (Sciences Po Bordeaux)
A postdoctoral researcher involved in the GOVJIHAD project, Beldé studies the spatial expansion and political economy of West African jihadist movements. She completed her doctorate at Ghent University in 2025.
Beatriz de León Cobo (GEMASS – Sorbonne Université)
A doctoral student specializing in radicalization, Cobo is also an Associate Fellow at the Royal United Service Institute (RUSI) and leads the Europe-Sahel Dialogue Forum.
Moderator: Dan Sanaren (CERI–Sciences Po / CNRS)