Violent extremist groups and illicit economies in West Africa

What is the nexus between armed groups and illicit economies in southern Mali and northern Benin?

Date: 2024-05-07

Time: 12:00 to 14:00

Venue: Online via Zoom (register to attend online)

As violent extremism increases across the Sahel and spreads south into West Africa’s littoral states, illicit economies are sustaining terror groups’ operations and finances. In southern Mali, Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) is exploiting opportunities for timber logging, cattle rustling and illicit taxation. In northern Benin, the group uses various types of kidnapping – primarily for strategic rather than financial gains.

This seminar explores the different but often overlapping objectives of violent extremist groups involved in illicit economies.

Simultaneous English-French interpretation will be provided.

Moderator: Dr Feyi Ogunade, Regional Organised Crime Observatory Coordinator – West Africa, ENACT, Institute for Security Studies (ISS)

Opening remarks: Representatives of ECOWAS and the European Union

Panelists:

• Nanténé Seck Coulibaly, Senior Analyst, Crime and Criminality, Early Warning Directorate, ECOWAS Commission (TBC)
• Flore Berger, Senior Analyst, Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime (GITOC)
• Dr Ndubuisi Christian Ani, Senior Researcher and Project Coordinator, ENACT, ISS
• Dr Aziz Mossi, Researcher, University of Parakou and LASDEL, Benin