ISIS-linked networks resurging in West Africa, US warns

The United States has warned that extremist groups linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) are regaining strength in parts of Africa following the collapse of the group’s strongholds in Iraq and Syria.

In a newly released counterterrorism strategy, Washington said remnants of ISIS have shifted operations to Africa and Central Asia, taking advantage of fragile governance and ongoing conflicts in several regions.

ISIS was officially declared defeated in Iraq and Syria in 2017 after years of military offensives supported by the US and allied forces. However, by 2014, factions claiming allegiance to the terror group had already begun surfacing across Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

According to the US document, areas currently experiencing renewed extremist activity include West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, Mozambique, Sudan, and Somalia. In Somalia, ISIS elements have reportedly re-established a presence, while Al Shabaab continues its insurgency.

The strategy highlighted the activities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, including parts of northern Nigeria. The groups were accused of occupying territories and carrying out attacks on civilians and security forces.

The US said its approach in Africa would differ from previous interventionist policies, focusing instead on preventing extremist groups from establishing bases capable of launching attacks against American interests and protecting vulnerable communities affected by jihadist violence.

Washington also referenced concerns raised by some US lawmakers and advocacy groups over attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria. However, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly argued that the country’s security crisis affects all Nigerians regardless of religion or ethnicity.

The document further noted that President Donald Trump’s approval of airstrikes against Islamist militants on Christmas Day signaled that attacks on Christian populations would not be overlooked. Nigerian authorities reportedly approved the operation.

Although the US plans to reduce its global military presence, it said it would continue counterterrorism operations in Africa against groups capable of threatening American interests abroad.

The strategy added that the US is strengthening security partnerships with African countries by providing intelligence support and helping develop local counterterrorism forces until extremist groups no longer pose significant threats.

Washington also linked security to economic development, saying stronger trade and commercial ties could help stabilise affected regions. It pointed to the peace agreement brokered between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo as an example of how improved security can support prosperity.

The US concluded that Africa holds enormous economic and social potential but stressed that governments across the continent must maintain effective control over their territories and deny safe havens to terrorist organisations. It also called on regional partners to take on a larger share of counterterrorism responsibilities.