Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) has killed at least 54 civilians and eight soldiers in northern Togo this year

In 2025, northern Togo has experienced a significant escalation in violence attributed to Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate operating in the Sahel region. According to Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey, the group has conducted 15 attacks in the area, resulting in the deaths of 54 civilians and eight soldiers.

The surge in JNIM’s activities in Togo underscores a troubling trend of jihadist groups expanding from the Sahel into coastal West African nations. Since 2012, such groups have spread from Mali into Burkina Faso, Niger, and now northern Togo. This expansion has led to thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions across the region.

In response to the growing threat, Togo has deployed 8,000 troops to its northern regions and has been working closely with neighboring Burkina Faso to enhance border security and counter the insurgent activities. Additionally, Togo serves as a diplomatic link between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Confederation of Sahel States, which includes the military-led governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

The increasing frequency and intensity of JNIM’s attacks in Togo highlight the broader instability in the Sahel region. The group’s shift from rural guerrilla warfare to targeting urban centers indicates a strategic move to establish Islamic rule across the Sahel and into coastal West Africa. Analysts have noted the group’s use of more sophisticated tactics, including anti-aircraft weapons and drones, and its expanding territorial control and influence over local communities.

The situation in Togo reflects a broader regional challenge, as countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso face increasing threats from jihadist groups. The spread of violence into coastal West African nations like Togo poses heightened risks for countries with weaker counterterrorism infrastructure.

As the security situation continues to evolve, the international community remains concerned about the potential for further destabilization in the region. Efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance military capabilities, and address underlying socio-economic issues are seen as crucial steps in countering the growing threat posed by groups like JNIM.