Islamic State Expands in West Africa: Rivalry with Al-Qaeda Intensifies in Sahel (legrandcontinent.eu)

• IS transfers fighters and material between its West and Central African provinces.
• Symbolic attacks on Niamey airport demonstrate rivalry between IS and JNIM.
• JNIM is transethnic and currently the biggest obstacle to IS expansion.

"An in-depth interview with Sahel specialist Wassim Nasr analyzes the Islamic State's (IS) expansion in West Africa. IS is transferring fighters, know-how, and material between its West Africa and Sahel provinces. The rivalry with Al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM is intensifying, highlighted by symbolic attacks on Niamey airport. JNIM is transethnic while IS is more based on the Fulani community. The US killed a key IS liaison in May 2026 via an airborne operation, but the group continues to consolidate."