The United Nations has issued a warning about the expanding reach of terrorist groups across West Africa and the Sahel region. These groups are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, including the use of drones, advanced communication methods, and cryptocurrencies, posing a serious threat to the stability of coastal states in the Gulf of Guinea.

Leonardo Santos Simão, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, briefed the UN Security Council on July 15, 2026, emphasizing that armed groups continue to present acute security challenges, particularly in the central Sahel and northern Nigeria. He also noted that drug trafficking is becoming increasingly intertwined with terrorism, while humanitarian access remains severely restricted in many conflict-affected areas.

Simão highlighted the severe impact of the violence on women, children, and young people, with attacks on schools threatening the future of entire communities. The Security Council heard calls for enhanced regional cooperation and dialogue to address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, weak governance, and climate vulnerability.

In response, Burkina Faso's ambassador to the United Nations affirmed that countries in the Alliance of Sahel States remain committed to pursuing peace despite ongoing security challenges. The ambassador welcomed ongoing efforts by Togo, the African Union, and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel.

The UN stressed that lasting stability in the region will require sustained international support, increased investment in humanitarian assistance, and stronger regional cooperation to tackle both security threats and the underlying causes of conflict.

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