UN: Islamic State Expanding Influence in Africa

The United Nations reports that the Islamic State is increasing its presence and influence across Africa, raising concerns about the growing threat of extremism and instability in the region.

According to a high-ranking counterterrorism official, the jihadist group could gain “effective control” over significant portions of the Sahel region.

The Security Council has been warned by a senior UN counterterrorism official that Islamic State and its associates could gain control over an extensive region from Mali to northern Nigeria.

On Thursday, Vladimir Voronkov, who heads the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), stated that in addition to Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, the jihadist organization as well as its associated factions are now carrying out operations throughout various regions within Africa.

As per a statement released by UNOCT, terrorist organizations connected to Islamic State (IS or formerly known as ISIS) are persistently boosting their operational regions and revealing great strength and flexibility in the face of ongoing counterterrorism endeavors.

According to Voronkov, in the event that militant groups increase their reach throughout northern regions of West Africa and the Sahel, there is a possibility that they could potentially take effective control over an extensive area spanning from northern Nigeria all the way to Mali.

Additionally, affiliates of IS have intensified their operations in the northern region of Mozambique and the eastern portion of the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a result, there has been a substantial surge in both terrorist assaults and innocent civilian casualties, as stated by the diplomat.

As per Voronkov, who has been leading UNOCT since 2017, the actions of ISIL-Khorasan in Afghanistan is causing an increase in risk levels within Europe.

Originating from radical Islamist forces in Iraq, IS gained international prominence by 2014 when it significantly grew in strength. Taking advantage of the instability caused by the lack of security measures within Iraq and unrest in Syria, their influence eventually spread to Africa.

In the past few weeks, there has been increased scrutiny on Ukraine’s suspected involvement in supporting terrorists operating in Africa. This comes after reports of local troops and members of Russian private military company Wagner Group being killed by Tuareg separatist rebels and individuals associated with Al-Qaeda during an attack in Mali.

“The rebels obtained all the essential information required,” reported Andrey Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukrainian military intelligence.

Mali and Niger have condemned Ukraine for its actions, leading to the severance of diplomatic relationships with Kiev. The African countries also demanded an investigation by the UN Security Council into whether Ukraine aided Tuareg rebels in any way. However, Ukrainian officials from their Foreign Ministry denied involvement in these events.

It is thought that the Wagner Group, known for their participation in Ukraine-Russia conflict, played a role in recent confrontations between Malian armed forces and Tuareg rebels close to Algeria’s border. The organization has been supporting government troops there.