In recent years, the South Sahara region has continued to be harassed by the Terag and the Al-Qaeda Terrorists, who are now spreading and seem to penetrate the regions of West Africa.
The nature of the terrorists and rebels groups in Mali is complex as each has its own motive.
Mali gained independence from France in 1960, the Tuareg people, a large Berber ethnic group rebelled in 1963 against the newly independent Malian State, seeking autonomy for their traditional territories. Many young Tuaregs joined former and late Libyan leader Muammar Ghaddafi,s “Islamic Legion” in Libya, gaining military experience.
The Jihadist Group, The Al -Qaeda, Sahel’s branch, Jamat, at Nusrat Ul-Isam-Wa al- Muslim (JNIN) aims to turn Mali into an Islamic State, while another deadly terrorist group, ISIS is said to be linking up with JNIN.
A successful takeover of Mali by terrorist organizations, primarily al-Qaeda, like Jamma at Nusrat-Islam wal-Muslimin(JBM) would have catastrophic consequences for West Africa, likely turning the country into an unsafe haven or another Afghanistan in West Africa.
The takeover in Mali would likely be unfortunate, ungovernable for the West African Region, especially so with bases in the region for the blood thirsty terrorists, thereby undermining the stability of Neighboring states such as Niger, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Burkina-Faso, Benin, Guinea, and perhaps Liberia.
Looking at the Map of Africa especially in the West Africa Region, the Republic of Guinea shares official Land borders with Mali, Ivory Coast and Liberia (political boundaries). Any terrorists taking over from Mali, will be a spill over into Guinea and the Ivory Coast, with refugees pulling into Liberia through Guinea and Ivory Coast borders. And it is anybody’s guess if the terrorists will not be eyeing Guinea and Liberia for a run over.
The country of Mali could become an ungovernable, extremist sanctuary where militants could freely train operatives and plan attacks throughout the West Africa region, similar to that of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Moreover, a terrorist victory would likely mark the end of the alliance between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso which has already struggled to contain the path. And if the insurgency extends toward the West African region, the International community will be affected by trade routes etc.
The countries in the West African Region need cooperation to help Mali defeat the terrorists who are trying to take over the country. Accordingly, the terrorists aim is to turn Mali into an Islamic state. But this is the thing, why it is true that the terrorists aim is to turn a captured country into an Islamic state, it does not mean only Christian states are targeted. Terrorists do not pick and choose when to commit their devilish acts. HUMMM!!
For example, the Northern part of Nigeria, which is predominantly Muslim, has suffered more than Christians, BOKO HARAM aims to make Nigeria a Muslim State, and Muslims have been the victims of their evil attacks.
And, in so doing, Christians should not feel that only muslims are supporters of terrorists.
However, the West African region is home to a major organization called ECOWAS. The Economic Community of West States was established in 1975 to foster trade and maintain peace in the region. And it was based on maintaining peace that she hurriedly put together a military force called ECOMOG in 1990 to help maintain peace Liberia.
The rebels or terrorists are going to spread in the region for their own benefits. Moreover, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger need to abolish their alliance and rejoin ECOWAS for the benefit of keeping their country safe. Rejoining ECOWAS will restore vital counter-Terrorism collaboration and joint security framework across West Africa to tackle the escalating insurgencies.
A European or Asian soldier will not die in the trenches of Africa, as is happening in Mali as Russians helped the Malian troops, it is just temporary, and as the fighting there drags on, the Russians might likely pack their bags to leave the country.
Almost six months ago, the M23 Rebels in DRC Congo advanced by capturing the eastern town of Goma, accordingly, the Russians assigned in the area, reluctantly surrendered to the Rebels. Guess what, not a single Russian was killed by the rebels, but the DRC soldiers began killing their own black countrymen.
Aaah Africa!! how did we get here? As we have written before, there are lots of trained security men who are patrolling our borders, communities, and towns who could be recruited, very easily as terrorists to boost or increase their manpower. The reason is very simple, in Africa, when there is a change of government, the incoming government brings its own so-called security men to power and the men they bring on board are usually not trained and the most trained men on the ground are not trusted, thus often leading to them being sidelined.
We are now in the 21st century, things are changing day by day, when it comes to keeping our countries safe in Africa and globally looking at security.
Recently, we saw the United States reduce its embassies in Africa to 20 countries. Common sense, it is all about its security for her men in the field of diplomacy.
Moreover, governments in Western African States can play leading role in responding to the threat in Mali by proactively strengthening ties with neighboring countries by sharing intelligence, coordinating border patrols, and training.
Again, the border areas between Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal, Mauritania, with Burkina Faso are already facing grave threats from internal and terrorist attacks. The West African region needs to act now.
Let me end this article with a quote from my admired Nigerian Nollywood legend, T
the Veteran Pete Edochie, when he said in one of his movies: the only consolation about death is, “it does not discriminate”.
About the Author: James D. Hallowanger is a Security Expert, Politician, and a Diplomat.