Challenged on three fronts: the security of West Africa

West Africa has been in the news in recent times due to the security challenges it faces. In the north, east, and the eastern half of the south, the region seems to be boxed in by security challenges.

To the north is the rising momentum of terror groups that are sweeping across the Sahel and taking territories. With indiscriminate attacks and the spread of fear, states in the Sahel are currently facing political instability.

Extremists are not stopping at the borders of these states: they are moving southwards to the savannah regions of littoral states. From eastern Sahel, through Mali and Burkina to south-eastern Niger, militants seem to control the northern fringes of West Africa — largely.

On the eastern fringes of the region are multiple security challenges. The Lake Chad Basin which covers the upper eastern border to the region has major security issues. The place is awash in extremism, and a major transit area for illicit arms from Central Africa.

The homogeneous ethno-religious makeup of the region makes transnational crimes fester.

To the south-east is the “Ambazonia” separatism in Cameroun that is increasingly becoming militant. The Anglophone population of the country that has felt marginalized over the decades is fighting for independence — some are asking for more autonomy.

The Paul Biya government is taking none of this. This is happening right on the border of West Africa.

To the eastern half of the south is the problem of piracy that has worsened in recent years. The kind of piracy in West Africa has been seen to be different from that of the Somali coast. In many cases in West Africa, pirates have shown interest in stealing cargo — especially oil.

While regional navies continue to patrol the waters, the threat is still there.

What are the effects?

West Africa has several important economies and strategic resources in the continent. Nigeria is the largest in terms of population and economy in Africa. Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal are also important.

Nigeria is a major producer of oil in the world. In 2020 and 2021, Ghana topped gold production in Africa. Cote d’Ivoire is the number one cocoa producer in the world.

There are significant uranium deposits and mines in the Sahel. Guinea has one of the largest bauxite deposits in the world.

This calls for cooperation among regional and global players to ensure security in West Africa. The proximity of the region to Europe should not be taken lightly by Brussels.

An African-led initiative with global support should be prioritized.

Fidel Amakye Owusu is an International Relations and Security Analyst. He is an Associate at the Conflict Research Consortium for Africa and has previously hosted an International Affairs program with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). He is passionate about Diplomacy and realizing Africa’s global potential and how the continent should be viewed as part of the global collective.