Institute for Security Studies Warns: Terrorism Expanding in Mauritania, Mali, and Senegal

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS), based in Pretoria, South Africa, has warned that the socio-economic imbalances in Mauritania, Mali, and Senegal provide a fertile ground for terrorist group recruitment. The institute called on the three countries to unite their efforts to confront cross-border terrorism.

In a recent report titled “Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal Must Unite Against Cross-Border Terrorism”, the ISS urged these nations to avoid exacerbating local conflicts, “which weaken communities and make them vulnerable to exploitation by armed groups.”

The report highlighted that extremist groups are exploiting internal tensions and class-based conflicts, especially in the tri-border areas, where longstanding caste systems (between nobles and descendants of former slaves) continue to fuel disputes over traditional leadership, land ownership, and religious authority.

It also pointed out that recurring clashes between herders and farmers are poorly managed by local authorities, contributing to increased fragility and division within communities.

The ISS emphasized that resolving internal disputes and achieving social justice are crucial pillars in the fight against terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region, which is already grappling with significant security and social fragility.

Despite the border region’s agricultural and pastoral potential, as well as its gold reserves, the report noted that it still suffers from extreme poverty, limited infrastructure investment, and poor access to education, healthcare, water, and electricity—factors that exacerbate the crisis and fuel frustration and despair.

The report concluded by calling for coordinated and inclusive development in the border areas of the three countries, alongside fair and non-repressive security programs, to curb the spread of extremist groups and strengthen the resilience of local communities.