Burkina Faso’s Security Crisis Deepens as Rival Armed Groups Battle for Control

By Zoomer Reporter

Burkina Faso is facing growing security challenges as two rival armed organisations, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked group, and the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), intensify their battle for territorial control along the country's northern border with Mali.

The latest confrontations, which have escalated since September, highlight the increasingly complicated security situation across the Sahel region, where armed groups continue to challenge government authority and compete for influence.

Reports indicate that some of the fiercest clashes occurred near Kacham in September and around Ganadaouri in Oudalan Province in October. Both confrontations reportedly resulted in significant casualties.

ISSP has claimed responsibility for inflicting heavy losses on its rival, including hundreds of fighters killed. However, these figures have not been independently verified, and the actual number of casualties remains uncertain.

A growing rivalry across the Sahel

The confrontation between JNIM and ISSP is part of a longstanding rivalry that has developed into a major source of instability across Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

Conflict monitoring organisations have documented hundreds of confrontations between the two groups since 2019, resulting in thousands of reported fighter deaths.

While both organisations oppose existing state authorities, their competition for territory, resources and local influence has increasingly turned them against each other.

The fighting presents an additional challenge for JNIM, which has continued expanding its operations against government forces and allied security groups in Burkina Faso.

Security analysts suggest that the conflict between the rival organisations could temporarily reduce pressure on government forces if JNIM is forced to redirect fighters and resources towards defending its positions.

However, the development does not necessarily mean that the country's security situation will improve.

Civilians remain caught in the conflict

Beyond the military confrontations, ordinary communities continue to bear the greatest consequences of the prolonged insecurity.

Violence has disrupted farming activities, trade, transportation and access to essential services, leaving many families displaced and dependent on humanitarian assistance.

United Nations humanitarian planning estimates indicate that approximately 4.5 million people in Burkina Faso will require humanitarian assistance in 2026.

The conflict is also extending beyond Burkina Faso and Mali. Armed group activity has increasingly affected parts of Niger and raised concerns about the possibility of further expansion towards West African coastal countries.

Growing concerns for West Africa

The expanding operations of JNIM and other armed organisations have raised security concerns among neighbouring countries, particularly Benin, Togo and Côte d'Ivoire.

Analysts warn that porous borders, limited state presence in remote communities, economic marginalisation and local tensions could create opportunities for armed groups to expand their influence.

The reported spread of militant activity towards coastal West Africa presents a serious challenge for regional governments seeking to prevent the Sahel's security crisis from reaching their territories.

Can rival groups weaken each other?

Although the fighting between JNIM and ISSP may weaken both organisations in certain areas, experts caution against assuming that their rivalry will automatically benefit Burkina Faso or the wider region.

JNIM continues to operate across several countries, while ISSP has demonstrated its ability to challenge competing armed groups and establish influence in contested territories.

The diversion of fighters and resources towards internal rivalries could provide governments with temporary opportunities to strengthen security operations. However, lasting stability will require more than military victories.

Improved border security, stronger public institutions, economic opportunities and protection of civilian communities will remain essential to addressing the underlying causes of instability.

For Burkina Faso and its neighbours, the central challenge is not simply which armed group controls more territory, but how governments can restore security, protect communities and prevent the continuing spread of violence across West Africa.