A new report from the Africa Center for Strategic Studies says the security situation across Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger has become much worse since military juntas took power, even though they justified their coups by promising to improve security.

According to the report, militant Islamist groups are now responsible for almost 9,800 deaths in the Sahel over the past year, making the region the deadliest hotspot for this kind of violence in Africa.The report says attacks have spread across wider areas, with insurgents threatening major towns, transport routes and important infrastructure.

Instead of carrying out broad reviews of their military strategy or strengthening regional cooperation, the juntas are accused of focusing more on silencing political opponents, journalists, civil society groups, religious leaders and other independent voices.

In Mali, several politicians, analysts and civilians have reportedly been arrested or detained following major insurgent attacks, while political activities continue to face tight restrictions.

Burkina Faso has also expanded measures against journalists, magistrates, NGOs and political parties, even as insurgent groups maintain control over large parts of the country.

In Niger, where militant attacks have increased sharply since the 2023 coup, the authorities have reportedly stripped critics of citizenship, sanctioned former political leaders and continued to detain former President Mohamed Bazoum.

The report argues that these actions reduce public debate at a time when open discussion is needed to improve intelligence gathering, military planning and cooperation among neighbouring countries.

It concludes that defeating the growing insurgency will require stronger regional partnerships, better community engagement and more inclusive governance rather than concentrating political power while security conditions continue to decline.