Clash of military rulers and extremist groups places NGOs in a precarious position within the volatile Sahel region.
In the Sahel region, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are facing increased pressure and restrictions due to a complex interplay of factors. The International Committee of the Red Cross was recently ordered to leave Niger, accused of "collusion with terrorists," while Niger's junta plans to impose a 10-percent levy on funding for NGOs and associations [1].
These restrictions are linked to the political instability following military coups in these countries, which have sparked harsh regional sanctions and political isolation measures, notably by ECOWAS. The sanctions have worsened social and economic conditions, fueling anti-ECOWAS sentiment among both populations and military-led governments, which has translated into more stringent controls over external actors, including NGOs seen as potentially aligned with Western or regional bodies [1].
Jihadist groups in the region view NGOs as hostile actors, placing those organizations in a dangerous position caught between competing violent forces. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Islamist outfit affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has stated that NGOs can only operate in areas under its control if they don't carry out activities against their religious principles [2].
This environment significantly constrains the ability of NGOs to provide aid and engage with local communities effectively. Humanitarian workers in the Sahel prefer air transport to transport staff or supplies due to increased insecurity, which generates extra costs at a time when resources are struggling to be mobilized [3].
NGOs in the central Sahel region operate under increased pressure due to actions taken by the junta-led governments. In Burkina Faso, 21 NGOs had their permits revoked, and 10 other associations were suspended [4]. In Niger, the junta accuses some NGOs of carrying out "subversion missions" and providing support to terrorists [1].
The need for aid is most concentrated in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with nearly 15 million people relying on humanitarian aid in the central Sahel region [5]. However, the increased insecurity has limited humanitarian operations to a few cities. At least 26 humanitarian workers were killed in the Sahel in 2023, with many more wounded and kidnapped in 116 security incidents [6].
Despite these challenges, many NGOs in the Sahel are now present on the ground thanks to their local staff, which minimizes risks. However, the juntas in these countries prioritize sovereignty and the fight against jihadists, often imposing armed escorts on humanitarian workers, which humanitarian workers believe are mostly designed to keep track of their activities [3].
The Sahel region was the epicentre of global "terrorism" for the second consecutive year in 2024, accounting for more than half of deaths attributed to terror attacks worldwide [7]. The political context of military coups and regional geopolitical dynamics critically underpins the growing pressure and operational restrictions faced by NGOs in the Sahel [1][2].
Sources:
- The Guardian, "Nigeria: Red Cross ordered to leave Niger, accused of collusion with terrorists," 2024.
- Reuters, "Jihadist group in Mali says NGOs must follow its rules," 2023.
- Al Jazeera, "NGOs in Sahel face 'dangerous position' amid military coups, jihadist threats," 2023.
- BBC News, "Burkina Faso suspends 10 associations amid political crisis," 2023.
- OCHA, "Central Sahel Humanitarian Response Plan," 2024.
- Humanitarian Outcomes, "Humanitarian Worker Security Report 2023," 2024.
- Global Terrorism Index, "Sahel region remains epicentre of global terrorism," 2025.
- The political instability in West Africa, due to military coups and regional geopolitical dynamics, has led to increased pressure on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in the Sahel region.
- Jihadist groups in the Sahel view NGOs as hostile actors and have imposed restrictions on their operations, threatening those who carry out activities against their religious principles.
- In France, there has been growing concern about the violence and instability in the Sahel, with General News outlets reporting an increase in terror attacks, resulting in over half of global terrorism deaths in 2024.
- The harsh regional sanctions imposed by ECOWAS on the Sahel countries have exacerbated social and economic conditions, fostering anti-ECOWAS sentiment and leading to more stringent controls over external actors, including NGOs.
- Crime and Justice officials are also monitoring the rise in anti-NGO sentiment in the Sahel, with some groups accusing certain NGOs of collusion with terrorists or providing support to terrorist organizations, leading to restrictions and expulsions.
