Top 10 African Countries Most Affected By Terrorism

Terrorism remains a major security challenge across parts of Africa, with armed groups continuing to launch attacks against security forces and civilians, displace communities and undermine regional stability.

According to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), six of the 10 countries most affected by terrorism worldwide are in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the region’s persistent struggle with insurgency and militant violence.

Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali are among the African countries facing significant terrorism-related threats, while violence has also spread to parts of East and coastal West Africa.

Below are the 10 African countries most affected by terrorism, according to their global rankings in the 2026 Global Terrorism Index.

1. Burkina Faso – 2nd Globally

Burkina Faso ranks second globally among countries most affected by terrorism. The country recorded 846 terrorism-related deaths in 2025, down from 1,532 in 2024.

Despite the decline, armed groups continue to pose a serious security threat, particularly in areas bordering Mali and Niger, where militant activities have contributed to insecurity and displacement.

2. Niger – 3rd Globally

Niger ranks third globally, recording 703 terrorism-related deaths and 88 incidents in 2025.

Violence remains a major concern in the country’s western regions, particularly near the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, where armed groups operating across the Sahel continue to threaten communities and security forces.

3. Nigeria – 4th Globally

Nigeria ranks fourth globally, recording 750 terrorism-related deaths in 2025, representing a 46 per cent increase from the previous year.

According to the report, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram accounted for 80 per cent of the deaths.

The two groups continue to carry out attacks, particularly in the North-East, where communities remain exposed to insurgent violence and persistent security challenges.

4. Mali – 5th Globally

Mali ranks fifth globally and continues to face attacks by armed groups, including Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), which has expanded its operations across parts of the Sahel.

Although terrorism-related deaths declined in 2025, militant activity remains a major challenge for security forces and civilians, particularly in areas affected by the expanding operations of extremist groups.

5. Somalia – 7th Globally

Somalia ranks seventh globally, with the al-Shabaab militant group remaining a major security threat.

The group continues to launch attacks against government forces and civilians. In 2025, it launched an offensive in central Somalia, overrunning government positions and advancing towards areas closer to the capital, Mogadishu.

The continued insurgency has complicated efforts to restore security and strengthen government control in affected areas.

6. Democratic Republic of the Congo – 8th Globally

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) ranks eighth globally, recording 467 terrorism-related deaths in 2025, an increase of about 28 per cent from the previous year.

Attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group affiliated with the Islamic State, contributed to the worsening security situation, particularly in the country’s eastern region.

The violence has continued to threaten civilian lives and deepen insecurity in communities already affected by armed conflict.

7. Cameroon – 12th Globally

Cameroon ranks 12th globally and continues to face terrorism-related violence, particularly in its Far North region.

Boko Haram and ISWAP remain active in the area, with their operations extending across the Lake Chad Basin and into neighbouring countries.

Their activities have threatened communities, disrupted livelihoods and contributed to displacement, placing additional pressure on security forces and humanitarian services.

8. Mozambique – 15th Globally

Mozambique ranks 15th globally, with its terrorism challenge concentrated largely in Cabo Delgado Province in the north.

An insurgency involving Islamic State-affiliated militants has killed civilians and forced residents to flee their homes.

The conflict has also disrupted economic activities and complicated efforts by authorities to restore security and stability in affected communities.

9. Benin – 19th Globally

Benin ranks 19th globally and has faced growing security concerns in its northern border areas.

Armed groups operating in the Sahel have extended their activities towards coastal West Africa, raising concerns about the spread of militant violence beyond the central Sahel.

The threat has placed increasing pressure on security forces and heightened concerns about the vulnerability of communities near the country’s northern borders.

10. Kenya – 21st Globally

Kenya ranks 21st globally and continues to face threats from al-Shabaab, the Somalia-based militant group responsible for cross-border attacks.

The attacks have particularly affected areas near the Somali border, including parts of northern and eastern Kenya.