Jihadist expansion across borderlands in the Sahel

The brief examines how jihadist groups JNIM and ISSP are expanding from their traditional Sahelian strongholds into coastal West African countries as part of a strategic shift aimed at securing revenue streams and controlling illicit trade routes. It argues the future stability of the region depends on the newly formed AES Unified Force's ability to integrate its operations with national security structures and overcome diplomatic tensions to coordinate with regional bodies.