The Sahel region has become the new hotspot for jihadism, particularly among economically desperate young men. Many join militant groups like al-Qaeda not out of ideological commitment, but due to a lack of opportunities and a quest for adventure. Ibrahim, a young Nigerien, exemplifies this trend; he initially found joy and camaraderie in the group despite growing discomfort with their brutality. His experiences highlight a disturbing reality: the underlying economic drivers of radicalization often overshadow ideological motivations in contemporary jihadism.
In the army, if there is a battle and soldiers win, then they are happy. It was like that for us. I was with my friends, and it was joy.
Ibrahim was summoned to his first mission, rushing to grab his Kalashnikov rifle and keys for the Toyota pickup. Other fighters piled in.
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