The Sahel and West Africa are at a crossroads, facing mounting challenges that test governance, development and regional unity. Rising terrorist violence, the spread of armed groups and political instability have shaken the region, leaving states and communities grappling with insecurity and uncertainty. Addressing these complex issues requires more than surface-level solutions—it demands nuanced, data-driven insights that help decision makers navigate an interconnected and ever-evolving landscape.
Recognising this need, in 2022, Ministers of the Coalition for the Sahel called for a broader perspective—one that extends beyond the Sahel to encompass North, Central and West Africa. They emphasised the importance of an expanded vision to address systemic challenges that cut across local, national and regional levels. This need has only grown more urgent as rising global instability disrupts regional and multilateral frameworks in the Sahel. These shifts reinforce the need for sustained monitoring and analysis of the evolving set of transnational and crosscutting issues that threaten stability across the region.
This report, Roads and Conflicts in North and West Africa, takes up that challenge by examining how transport networks influence violence, governance and resilience. Roads, railways and ports play a critical role in enabling the movement of people and goods, facilitating economic activity, and connecting communities. Yet these same networks often become battlegrounds, targeted by insurgent groups seeking to destabilise states, isolate communities and expand their influence. The data paints a stark picture: 70% of violent events and 65% of fatalities in North and West Africa occur within just one kilometre of a road. In the Central Sahel, the Lake Chad basin and western Cameroon, critical corridors have become epicentres of violence. Attacks on these routes disrupt trade, sever connections and undermine governance. Meanwhile, insurgents are adapting tactics, increasingly operating in remote and less-connected areas, destabilising rural regions where state presence is already limited.
This shift in violence extends beyond traditional hotspots. Coastal countries like Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Togo are facing sporadic attacks. This spread of violence underscores the expanding nature of conflict and the urgency of co-ordinated regional responses. As the report reveals, once conflict takes root, it becomes deeply entrenched, making efforts to restore peace and security even more challenging.
Transport networks are more than physical infrastructure—they are strategic assets. They enable governments to project power, provide essential services and foster cohesion. Without reliable infrastructure, marginalised communities remain isolated, economic opportunities dwindle and states struggle to maintain control. Strengthening these networks is crucial for building resilience and stability across the region.
As the region undergoes significant geopolitical shifts, this report offers critical insights to guide policy makers. Safeguarding transport routes, investing in infrastructure and fostering cross-border co-operation are vital steps to reduce violence, support economic integration and enable sustainable development. The stakes are high, but with strategic action, the opportunities to build resilience, restore trust and promote cohesion are within reach.
H.E. Mr. Hamadi Meimou
High Representative
Coalition for the Sahel
