Africa has emerged as the world’s most active theatre for terrorism, with militant groups increasingly expanding their operations across parts of the continent, a United States security panel has warned.
The assessment comes amid growing concerns over the spread of jihadist violence, particularly across the Sahel and parts of East Africa, where groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and Islamic State continue to exploit weak governance, porous borders and prolonged conflicts.
Recent terrorism assessments have identified sub-Saharan Africa as the global epicentre of terrorist activity. The 2026 Global Terrorism Index reported that six of the 10 countries most impacted by terrorism are in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Sahel has emerged as one of the major centres of militant activity, with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger facing persistent attacks from jihadist organisations. Somalia also remains a major theatre of terrorist operations, particularly due to the activities of al-Shabaab.
Experts have warned that the deteriorating security situation is being driven by the ability of militant groups to exploit local grievances, insecurity and weak state presence to recruit fighters and expand their influence.
Al-Qaeda-linked organisations have also strengthened their presence in parts of West Africa. Recent analysis by Reuters identified Somalia and the Sahel as the main African theatres where al-Qaeda-aligned groups are expanding their influence and, in some areas, exercising control over territory.
The development has raised concerns among international security experts over the changing geography of global terrorism, particularly as extremist groups increasingly establish networks across national borders.
The United States has continued to work with African governments on counterterrorism efforts, although analysts have also raised concerns about declining international attention and resources devoted to combating terrorism on the continent.
The growing threat has placed additional pressure on African governments to strengthen intelligence-sharing, border security, local governance and cooperation among regional military forces.
Security experts have stressed that military operations alone may not be sufficient to defeat the groups, arguing that addressing poverty, unemployment, political instability and local grievances will also be essential to preventing extremist organisations from gaining further ground.
With terrorist groups continuing to adapt their tactics and expand their areas of operation, Africa’s growing role in the global terrorism landscape is expected to remain a major security concern for both African governments and international partners.
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