The Sahel region of Africa, between the Sahara and the tropical savannahs to the south, has emerged as a significant base of groups that want to establish jihadist states.
A jihadist state is a structure that operates under Islamic law, or sharia, and is directed by a single leader, or caliph, who combines political and religious roles.
Groups such as Islamic State and al-Qaeda are committed to the establishment of these states, denouncing democratic governance.
