ISIS Leaders in the Sahel: From Sahrawi to Barnawi – A Growing Threat to Regional Security

 **ISIS Leaders in the Sahel: From Sahrawi to Barnawi – A Growing Threat to Regional Security**  

The Sahel region of Africa has become a hotbed for extremist activities, with ISIS (Islamic State) gaining a strong foothold amidst the political and security turmoil. Recent events, including the foiling of a major terrorist plot in Morocco in February 2025, highlight the persistent threat posed by ISIS leaders in the region. This article delves into the origins, key figures, and security challenges linked to ISIS in the Sahel.  

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## **The Emergence and Expansion of ISIS in the Sahel**  

ISIS in the Sahel, officially known as the "Islamic State in the Greater Sahara" (ISGS), was established in 2015 under the leadership of Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi. Operating primarily in the tri-border area of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, the group capitalized on the region's instability to launch numerous attacks and expand its influence. This fragile security environment has allowed ISIS to recruit and operate with relative impunity.  

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## **Key ISIS Leaders in the Sahel**  

### **1. Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi**  

- **Background:** A former member of the Polisario Front, al-Sahrawi pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2015 after a lengthy stint with al-Qaeda-affiliated groups.  

- **Activities:** He orchestrated several high-profile attacks, including the 2017 ambush on U.S.-Nigerien forces in Tongo Tongo, Niger, resulting in the deaths of four U.S. soldiers.  

- **Demise:** Al-Sahrawi was killed in a French drone strike in 2021, but his legacy of violence continues to influence ISIS activities in the Sahel.  

### **2. Abu Musab al-Barnawi**  

- **Background:** The founder of ISIS's West Africa Province (ISWAP) after splitting from Boko Haram due to ideological differences.  

- **Notable Acts:** Responsible for numerous attacks in Nigeria, including the abduction of schoolgirls and attacks on military installations.  

- **Death:** Nigerian military sources confirmed his death in 2021, but his influence persists through ISWAP's ongoing insurgency.  

### **3. Abdul Qader Mumin**  

- **Region of Influence:** Leader of ISIS in Somalia, where he oversees extremist operations in the Horn of Africa.  

- **Crimes:** Linked to kidnappings, assassinations, and other violent activities since 2016.  

- **Status:** While unconfirmed reports suggest his death, his group continues to pose a significant threat to regional stability.  

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## **The Security Threat to Morocco**  

The growing presence of ISIS in the Sahel poses a direct threat to Morocco and North Africa at large. In February 2025, Moroccan security forces successfully dismantled a terrorist cell linked to ISIS leaders in the Sahel. This group planned large-scale attacks across Moroccan cities, highlighting the group's intention to internationalize its terror campaigns.  

Morocco's Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) emphasized the ongoing danger posed by returning foreign fighters and the cross-border influence of ISIS leaders. This underscores the need for continuous vigilance and international cooperation.  

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## **Morocco's Counter-Terrorism Efforts**  

Morocco has been proactive in countering terrorism through intelligence-sharing, international collaborations, and dismantling extremist networks. By thwarting the February 2025 plot, Morocco showcased its effective counter-terrorism capabilities. The operation revealed that the terrorist cell received logistical and financial support directly from ISIS leaders in the Sahel, further emphasizing the region's security challenges.  

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## **Conclusion: A Growing Regional Concern**  

Despite territorial losses in the Middle East, ISIS remains resilient in Africa, especially in the Sahel. The organization's adaptability and ability to exploit regional conflicts pose significant security risks. As ISIS continues to evolve under new leadership, international cooperation and comprehensive security strategies are crucial to counter its influence and ensure regional stability.  

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- #AdnanAbuWalidAlSahrawi  

- #AbuMusabAlBarnawi  

- #AbdulQaderMumin  

- #Terrorism  

- #MoroccoSecurity  

- #CounterTerrorism  

- #WestAfrica  

- #IslamicState  

This article provides an overview of the leadership dynamics within ISIS in the Sahel, illustrating the complex security landscape that continues to challenge North Africa and the broader international community.