Sahel-based extremists fuel discontent in Africa while exploiting crisis it creates

Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate in Africa, exploits public grievances to expand its influence across the region.

JNIM erodes confidence in authorities by manufacturing insecurity, chaos, and economic pressure, then exploiting the hardship it has deliberately intensified.

Its actions include blocking transport routes, disrupting essential goods deliveries, and damaging infrastructure vital to civilian survival and economic stability.

The months-long siege of Bamako, Mali’s capital, illustrates how the group creates suffering to manipulate public frustration and deepen instability.

Main roads into the city were blocked, fuel supplies were disrupted, and citizens faced worsening economic and social hardships during the prolonged crisis.

The destruction of schools, bridges, roads, power poles, and telecommunications towers further weakens states while denying civilians access to basic services.

Creating dissatisfaction

As government authority weakens in remote regions, JNIM attempts to present itself as an alternative while instilling fear to force compliance.

"In some African countries, one of the main causes of public dissatisfaction is the activities of al-Qaeda," said Hamza Baloch, a military analyst based in Nimroz.

"Individuals affiliated with this group have weakened state authority and created insecurity, preventing the delivery of public services."

It continues to incite marginalized ethnic communities against Sahel governments while claiming to defend their rights and interests.

By spreading fear and chaos, JNIM pressures civilians to support its operations, effectively using communities as shields for its ambitions.

"Groups affiliated with al-Qaeda are the main drivers of crises and unrest in Africa," said Jawad Hakkak, a political analyst in Herat.

"These terrorists distort reality and portray governments as responsible, creating distrust among the public toward the official systems of Sahel countries," Hakkak said.

This manipulation confuses communities, weakens trust in institutions, and creates opportunities for the group to expand its recruitment and influence.

Efforts to advance self-interest

JNIM enforces extremist rules under the pretext of religious law, restricting freedoms and imposing its demands on civilians living under its control.

These measures include banning music, restricting women’s rights, preventing children’s education, and conducting summary field trials to enforce obedience.

Such actions primarily serve the group’s interests, while fostering fear and suppressing resistance within already vulnerable communities.

Basir Ahmad Daneshyar, a political analyst based in Germany, said al-Qaeda affiliates claim to fight Western influence but mostly target local societies.

"People and communities have no value to these terrorists and are used merely as tools," he said.