Russian mercenaries have taken over military operations in parts of Africa’s Sahel region following the withdrawal of U.S. and European troops. As Western forces exit, ISIS and Al-Qaeda-linked militants are rapidly gaining ground, sparking widespread violence and instability.
In 2024, the Sahel region accounted for more than half of all terrorism-related deaths globally, totaling nearly 4,000 fatalities. The region, spanning countries like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, has become a flashpoint after military juntas seized power and expelled U.S. and European forces. In their place, Russian paramilitary operatives—formerly the Wagner Group, now rebranded as the “Africa Corps“—have entered with backing from the Kremlin.
According to security analysts, the Russian mission is less focused on counterterrorism and more on resource extraction. These mercenaries are reportedly securing access to gold and other mineral-rich areas in exchange for military assistance to ruling juntas. This transactional presence has not resulted in improved stability, and Islamic extremists continue to expand their influence across the region.
ISIS affiliates and Al-Qaeda-linked groups are now operating with increased freedom. Without reliable intelligence and counterterrorism support from the West, local forces have struggled to contain attacks on villages, security outposts, and religious communities. The Christian population in particular remains at heightened risk, with multiple churches and faith-based aid workers targeted in recent years.
The United Nations has confirmed that at least 100,000 civilians have fled their homes in the past year alone, many seeking safety from jihadist violence. Humanitarian groups have warned of worsening conditions as aid access becomes more limited due to security threats and government restrictions imposed by the new military regimes.
This shift in regional control marks a broader strategic concern. By withdrawing from the Sahel, the U.S. and its allies have allowed hostile powers and violent extremists to fill the void. The result is a growing humanitarian crisis, increased persecution of Christians, and the loss of U.S. leverage in a region critical to global security.
