Violent extremism in the Sahel is strengthening its grip in West Africa

The Sahel is at the heart of an unprecedented surge in violence and instability that is increasingly expanding into neighbouring West African countries. Jihadists are exploiting the Sahel governments’ inefficient responses to present themselves as better, alternative rulers. Addressing this spiralling extremism effectively must involve denying jihadists space to govern, writes Adele Orosz, to prevent people losing trust and confidence in the rule of law and democracy.