Niger’s Western Security Belt Becomes the Sahel’s Main Battleground

Africa · Western

Key Facts

—Violence surge. Attacks on civilians in western Niger rose more than 120% in 2025 compared with 2023, making Tillabéri the deadliest region in the Central Sahel.

—Jihadist infighting. In April 2026, Islamic State Sahel Province and al-Qaeda-linked JNIM fought each other inside Niger for the first time, signalling a territorial contest.

—Western drawdown. The 2023 coup triggered the departure of French forces, the end of the U.S. security agreement, and the removal of roughly 1,100 American soldiers from bases including Agadez.