{"id":14728,"date":"2025-07-01T16:47:28","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T16:47:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nigeriastandardnewspaper.com\/a\/?p=14728"},"modified":"2025-07-01T16:47:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T16:47:28","slug":"terrorism-leveraging-social-cohesion-to-counter-insecurity-expansion-in-senegal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nigeriastandardnewspaper.com\/a\/terrorism-leveraging-social-cohesion-to-counter-insecurity-expansion-in-senegal\/","title":{"rendered":"Terrorism: Leveraging Social Cohesion to Counter Insecurity Expansion in Senegal"},"content":{"rendered":"

*Suggest <\/strong>resilience factors that Senegalese authorities and their partners may use to strengthen safety in a volatile regional context full of risks<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>*Writes: <\/strong>\u201cThe tri-border region of Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal has emerged as a strategic hotspot for Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a\u00a0<\/strong>terrorist group seeking to expand its influence beyond Mali\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

*BY DR. BAKARY SAMBE\/President, Timbuktu Institute, African Center for Peace Studies<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

FINALLY, a lasting solution has been proffered for Senegal to mitigate against the rising, resurgence of insecurity in the country. Making this revelation in a report titled: ‘The JNIM Threat in the three-border area of Mali, Mauritania and Senegal’ is<\/strong>\u00a0Dr. Bakary Sambe, President, Timbuktu Institute.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>According to this academic don at the end of April 2025, in the scientific publication, being the first of its kind and following several fields of surveys in eastern Senegal which was carried out by researchers from this leading think tank on regional security issues, the report raised a great deal of debate about the issues involved.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Media coverage of the report had so far focused on Senegal’s vulnerability to the advance of terrorist groups coming from Western Mali. In this article, Dr. Sambe looks back at the resilience factors he suggested the Senegalese authorities and their partners may apply to strengthen security in such a volatile regional context full of risks.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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In the analysis, Dr. Sambe explained that \u201cThe tri-border region of Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal has emerged as a strategic hotspot for JNIM,\u00a0<\/strong>a terrorist group seeking to expand its influence beyond Mali<\/strong>, while Senegal faces vulnerabilities such as porous borders, socio-economic challenges and the country possesses robust resilience factors that have so far limited JNIM\u2019s infiltration\u201d.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>These factors include strong social cohesion, widespread religious moderation, and competent security forces. By reinforcing these strengths through targeted policies, Senegal can further fortify its defenses against JNIM\u2019s expansion, as outlined in a recent Timbuktu Institute report.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

*Senegal\u2019s Resilience Factors:<\/strong><\/p>\n

*Social Cohesion as a Cultural Shield:
\nSenegal\u2019s diverse ethnic and religious communities exhibit remarkable social cohesion, which acts as a bulwark against JNIM\u2019s divisive tactics. According to a 2024 Timbuktu Institute survey, 75% of residents in the Kedougou region <\/strong>attribute Senegal\u2019s social peace to its cultural traditions, with only 13% believing inter-community. \u00a0Tensions could drive individuals toward violent extremism.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mixed marriages and mutual respect among groups like the Bassari, B\u00e9dik, and Peul create a cultural shield as recognized by UNESCO\u2019s designation of parts of K\u00e9dougou as a World Heritage Site for its model of peaceful coexistence. Unlike in Mali and Burkina Faso, where JNIM has exploited tensions between herders and sedentary groups, Senegal\u2019s harmonious inter-community relations make it difficult for the group to gain traction.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>*Widespread Religious Moderation:
\nSenegal\u2019s adherence to moderate Islamic teachings, particularly those of Sufi brotherhoods, counters JNIM\u2019s radical Salafist ideology. Majority of Senegalese, including those in border regions like K\u00e9dougou, Matam, and Tambacounda, follow community-focused religious practices that emphasize self-improvement over divisive ideologies. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Only 4% of residents in these regions know someone who shares JNIM\u2019s extremist views, and religious leaders are seen as key actors in preventing radicalization, second only to the government. While Sufi influence is less pronounced in eastern border areas, the absence of widespread radicalization and the collaborative efforts of religious leaders with government and community figures continue to bolster resilience.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>*Competent and Professional Security Forces:
\nSenegal\u2019s security forces are a cornerstone of its resilience, distinguished by their professionalism, size, and counterinsurgency experience. Comparable in scale to Mali and Niger\u2019s forces despite Senegal\u2019s smaller population and territory, they benefit from specialized training and a strong reputation for non-interference in politics. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Their experience in the Casamance conflict and UN peacekeeping missions equip them to counter threats like JNIM effectively. Positive civil-military relations further enhance their effectiveness, with 55% of eastern border residents willing to share information about extremist activities with security forces. Recent efforts, such as the establishment of a permanent base in Goudiry and joint patrols with Mali and Mauritania, demonstrate proactive engagement.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

*Strategies to Reinforce Resilience:<\/strong><\/p>\n

To counter JNIM\u2019s expansion, Senegal must build on these resilience factors through strategic measures that enhance security, community awareness, and socio-economic inclusion. The Timbuktu Institute report offers several recommendations to achieve this:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

*Increase Security Presence in Border Regions:
\nStrengthening the permanent presence of security forces along the Fal\u00e9m\u00e9 River and key cross-border routes, such as those near Bakel and Saraya, is critical. While the Goudiry base is a step forward, temporary operations like Niokolo and Nawetan have not significantly improved local perceptions of security. Permanent bases would enable rapid deployment of specialized units to combat smuggling and illicit economies, which are JNIM\u2019s primary funding sources. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Enhanced presence would also foster better intelligence-gathering through stronger ties with local communities, who are willing to report suspicious activities. For instance, residents in Gu\u00e9m\u00e9di\u00e9 have expressed a readiness to share information about potential infiltrations, an opportunity security forces can leverage.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

*Strengthen Cross-Border Cooperation:
\nInstitutionalizing cooperation with Mali and Mauritania is essential to disrupt JNIM\u2019s cross-border networks. The report highlights JNIM\u2019s logistical bases in Mali\u2019s Kayes region and unofficial crossings along the Fal\u00e9m\u00e9 River, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts. Senegal should expand on recent initiatives, such as the February 2025 military cooperation agreements with Mali and joint river patrols with Mauritania, by creating binational and trinational task forces. These should integrate army, police, and intelligence capabilities to target JNIM\u2019s supply points and transport networks. Establishing designated intelligence-sharing contacts and processes will ensure timely responses to suspicious movements, enhancing the tri-border region\u2019s security.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

*Conduct Awareness Campaigns with Community Leaders:
\nRaising awareness about JNIM\u2019s threat is crucial, as a third of residents in K\u00e9dougou, Matam, and Tambacounda are unaware of its potential impact, per the 2024 Timbuktu Institute survey. The government should partner with religious leaders, traditional chiefs, and local authorities to conduct campaigns that highlight JNIM\u2019s violent tactics, intolerance, and contrasting them with Senegal\u2019s values of tolerance and cohesion. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>In areas where Sufi influence is limited, such as parts of K\u00e9dougou and Tambacounda, traditional chiefs and reformist actors can play a pivotal role. Training these leaders in communication strategies will amplify the government\u2019s legitimacy and reach, fostering a collective community response to JNIM\u2019s infiltration attempts.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>*Strengthening Socio-Economic Integration Programs:
\nAddressing socio-economic vulnerabilities, particularly unemployment and marginalization, are vital to reducing JNIM\u2019s appeal. The 2024 Timbuktu Institute survey identifies unemployment as the primary reason (85%) why individuals might join extremist groups in border regions. The government should expand programs like PUMA and PUDC to improve road infrastructure, reducing geographical isolation in K\u00e9dougou and Tambacounda. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Vocational training in sustainable agriculture and micro-credit programs, such as those under the Delegation g\u00e9n\u00e9rale \u00e0 l\u2019Entreprenariat Rapide (DER), can empower youth and women, key demographics vulnerable to JNIM\u2019s recruitment. Additionally, regulating the mining sector to ensure equitable access to resources will address grievances against foreign companies, reducing the risk of JNIM exploiting local discontent.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Senegal\u2019s resilience against JNIM\u2019s expansion rests on its strong social cohesion, religious moderation, and professional security forces. By reinforcing these strengths through increased security presence, enhanced cross-border cooperation, community awareness campaigns, and socio-economic integration programs, Senegal can further limit JNIM\u2019s ability to infiltrate its territory. These measures will not only protect national security but also preserve the country\u2019s model of cultural and religious harmony, ensuring that JNIM\u2019s divisive tactics find no foothold in Senegal\u2019s border regions.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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