Developments and trends in West Africa and the Sahel

2. Since my previous report (S/2018/1175), the peace and security environment in most of West Africa and the Sahel has remained relatively stable, despite worsening insecurity in several parts of the Sahel. Raids and kidnappings by terrorist groups, banditry and spreading intercommunal violence accounted for much of the volatility. Terrorists and other unidentified armed groups continued to carry out raids on military targets and civilian infrastructure in Burkina Faso, Mali, the Niger and Nigeria.

3. A number of electoral processes unfolded in several countries during the reporting period. Presidential, legislative and gubernatorial elections were held in Nigeria. A presidential election was held in Senegal, while legislative elections were conducted in Benin and Guinea-Bissau....Download here