Alex Thurston

The countries of this vast African region are going through a period of crisis and change: new military juntas have seized power, while the French and US presence is declining. In this complex scenario, Islamist movements in the region have changed their political goals and modus operandi

Nigerians are the most-represented group crossing the Mediterranean to Italy. They look for economic remittances, as well as escape from jihadist groups

Sahel offers fertile terrain for the birth of various groups of jihadists who thanks to the widespread poverty and porous frontiers easily recruit fighters. But new preachers and Muslim movements have also emerged which, between collusion with terrorists and democratic ideals, are determining the future of this region.