The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) has documented how the region has provided terror groups with the space to finance, recruit, and supply – highlighting a dimension of the threat that requires more attention.
Extremist groups have taken advantage of the insecurity their presence creates by offering citizens protection in the Bounkani and Tchologo areas, where they operate or exercise influence, particularly along the border with Burkina Faso.
This enabled the armed terrorist groups to generate a means of subsistence and income, and expand their networks of “commercial partners” in the livestock trade, including informants, recruiters and couriers.
ISS research also revealed the terrorist groups` involvement in artisanal gold mining, especially in the Comoé National Park and on the Comoé River.
Testimonies from miners and traders operating along the Comoé River revealed the existence of agreements between violent extremists and mining `bosses` – those who finance or manage activities on mining sites.
Terror group members also played the role of financier of artisanal gold mining operations.
Another reason is that the livestock and artisanal mining trades lack sufficient national regulation, allowing terror groups to infiltrate the market and set themselves up as providers of “protection”.
Government efforts to regulate artisanal gold mining should continue, and the authorities must team up with organisations representing the livestock economy to effectively implement regulations governing the sector.
Cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and its neighbours is essential to deal with the cross-border nature of violent extremism, and the extremist groups` efforts to secure the sustenance and finances they need to carry out their mission.
The report source: ISS (The Institute for Security Studies)