Violent extremism, organised crime and local conflicts in Liptako-Gourma

This report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the interconnected dynamics of violent extremism, transnational organised crime, and local conflicts in the Liptako-Gourma region, spanning Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Based on approximately 800 interviews, the study argues that extremist groups are pragmatic actors that exploit local economic vulnerabilities, governance failures, and community tensions to sustain their operations and expand their influence.

• Violent extremist groups in the Liptako-Gourma region are pragmatic and adaptable, exploiting local economic vulnerabilities, governance deficiencies, and socio-professional rivalries to establish themselves.
• Illicit activities are critical for the survival and expansion of extremist groups, providing necessary income and supplies. These activities include trafficking in weapons, drugs, motorcycles, and fuel, as well as cattle rustling, poaching, and artisanal gold mining.
• Extremist groups obtain weapons through two primary channels: arms dealers and the seizure of equipment from attacks on security forces barracks and positions.
• Drug trafficking, particularly of tramadol, cannabis, and diazepam, is widespread. Extremist groups profit by providing protection for convoys and collecting 'transit taxes'.
• Motorcycles are vital for extremist mobility and operations. While the report does not establish direct financial gain from trafficking, it notes that these vehicles are easily obtainable through accomplices and complicit vendors, often sourced from Nigeria.
• Cattle rustling and 'livestock abduction' serve as key sources of financing and food for extremist groups. They also impose 'zakat' (religious tax) on livestock in exchange for protection.
• In eastern Burkina Faso and parts of Niger, extremist groups have taken over the management of artisanal gold mines, acting as security providers and imposing taxes on miners.
• Extremist groups have gained support in eastern Burkina Faso by permitting poaching and the use of protected forest areas, presenting themselves as restorers of 'natural rights' against state restrictions.
• The relationship between extremist groups and local conflicts is complex; they do not always exacerbate violence but may act as stakeholders, mediators, or a deterrent force that temporarily reduces tensions.
• Extremist groups often align with marginalized communities, such as the Fula, providing weapons and training to help them seek revenge or protection against rival groups and state forces.

APA

Assanvo, W., Dakono, B., Théroux-Bénoni, L.-A., & Maïga, I. (2019). Violent extremism, organised crime and local conflicts in Liptako-Gourma. Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/war-26-eng.pdf

Chicago

Assanvo, William, Baba Dakono, Lori-Anne Théroux-Bénoni, and Ibrahim Maïga. Violent extremism, organised crime and local conflicts in Liptako-Gourma. Institute for Security Studies, 2019. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/war-26-eng.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Assanvo |first1=William |last2=Dakono |first2=Baba |last3=Théroux-Bénoni |first3=Lori-Anne |last4=Maïga |first4=Ibrahim |title=Violent extremism, organised crime and local conflicts in Liptako-Gourma |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |date=December 2019 |url=https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/war-26-eng.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{assanvo2019violent, author = {Assanvo, William and Dakono, Baba and Théroux-Bénoni, Lori-Anne and Maïga, Ibrahim}, title = {{Violent extremism, organised crime and local conflicts in Liptako-Gourma}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, year = {2019}, month = dec, url = {https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/war-26-eng.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }