Top 10 African countries most affected by terrorism

According to the 2025 GTI report published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, the Sahel region has become the epicenter of terrorism, witnessing the rapid expansion of militant jihadist groups.

Africa’s high terrorism index is driven by a combination of weak governance, political instability, and ongoing conflicts.

Many governments struggle to maintain control over their territories, creating an environment where terrorist organizations can thrive.

Countries such as Somalia, Mali, and Burkina Faso have been particularly affected, as state institutions remain fragile and extremist groups continue to exploit security vacuums.

The shift in terrorist activity from the Middle East to sub-Saharan Africa further underscores the continent’s growing vulnerability to extremist violence.

The 12th annual Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report reveals a concerning trend in global terrorism.

After years of decline, the number of countries experiencing terrorist incidents increased from 58 to 66 in 2024. This shift is largely attributed to the rising threat of extremist groups, particularly in the Sahel region.

The Sahel region has become the “epicenter of global terrorism,” accounting for over half of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide.

Five of the ten countries most impacted by terrorism are located in this region.

Notably, Burkina Faso was identified as the most terrorism-affected country in 2024, despite a 57% drop in attacks and a 21% decline in deaths.

The report also highlights the growing threat of lone-wolf attacks in Western nations, which now account for 93% of fatal attacks over the past five years.

Islamic State (IS) and its affiliates remain the deadliest group, responsible for 1,805 deaths across 22 countries.

The four major terrorist groups—IS, JNIM, TTP, and al-Shabaab—were active in 30 countries, with fatalities attributed to them increasing by 11% to 4,204.

According to the report, the following African countries were declared the most terrorized nations in the index.

Burkina Faso remains the country most impacted by terrorism, despite a decline in attacks and fatalities.

The Sahel region, particularly Mali and Niger, has seen a surge in terrorist activities, exacerbated by political instability and the withdrawal of international forces.

Nigeria continues to face threats from Boko Haram and ISWAP, while Somalia remains under persistent attacks from al-Shabaab.

The worsening security situation across these nations highlights the growing influence of jihadist groups and the need for stronger counterterrorism efforts.