Burkina Faso: 50 women abducted by suspected rebels
Al JazeeraAPR 2023
The deteriorating security crisis in West Africa is primarily the result of the West's decade-long political and military interference under the guise of fighting terrorism. There is hope for the region only when it's no longer possible for the West to pursue its geopolitical interests unchallenged by pretending to "help."
Though Western powers can certainly be criticized for their colonial record in West Africa, local authorities must stop blaming the West for today's crisis if they truly intend to tackle the jihadist insurgency rather than simply use it to justify their undemocratic rule. As Russian actors step up in the region, their counterterrorism efforts have proven just as unsuccessful.