Explore the findings of UNICRI’s newly released report, Dangerous Liaisons: Assessing the Nexus between Terrorism and Criminal Activities in Africa and engage with distinguished researchers and practitioners working on terrorism, illicit economies and security dynamics across Africa
Across several regions of Africa, terrorist groups and criminal actors increasingly operate within overlapping environments shaped by fragile governance, porous borders, insecurity and expansive informal markets. In these contexts, illicit economies provide opportunities for violent extremist groups to finance operations, expand influence and strengthen their presence within local communities. These interconnected dynamics can further weaken already fragile environments, increasing risks for communities affected by insecurity, limited economic opportunities and governance challenges.
To explore the complex dynamics linking violent extremism and criminal economies across Africa, UNICRI invites participants to join an online discussion dedicated to its new study.
The event will offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with leading experts and researchers from Africa and Europe, who will share insights on the evolving relationship between violent extremism and illicit economies, drawing on extensive field research and regional expertise.
Event details
Date: 29 May 2026
Time: 14:00 CET
Venue: Zoom
Simultaneous interpretation in English and French will be provided.
Speakers
Aziz Mossi, Researcher, LASDEL and Director, SOAFRICA CONSEILS SARL, Benin
Luca Raineri, Assistant Professor, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies of Pisa, Italy
Murtala Ahmed Rufa’i, Professor, Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto, Nigeria
Anicet Zran, Lecturer and Researcher, Alassane Ouattara University, Côte d’Ivoire
About the report
The study examines how terrorist groups engage with criminal economies across Africa, with a particular focus on West Africa and field research conducted in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria. Drawing on desk research and fieldwork, the report analyses these interactions along a continuum ranging from coexistence within the same illicit markets, to opportunistic collaboration and, in some cases, deeper forms of cooperation and mutual facilitation.
Rather than treating terrorism and organized crime as either entirely separate or fully convergent phenomena, the report adopts a continuum-based analytical approach that reflects the complexity and diversity of local realities. It highlights how violent extremist groups exploit illicit and informal economies not only as sources of revenue, but also as mechanisms to build legitimacy, reinforce local influence, mobilize grievances and strengthen operational resilience.
The report also examines sectors where these dynamics are particularly visible, including:
Artisanal mining
Livestock trade
Fuel distribution
Informal financial systems
By situating these interactions within their broader political, economic and social contexts, the study seeks to support more targeted, context-sensitive and sustainable responses to violent extremism and criminal activities in Africa.
Importantly, the report underscores that responses should move beyond exclusively securitized approaches. Strengthening local governance, improving oversight of vulnerable economic sectors, supporting sustainable livelihoods, addressing corruption and reinforcing community resilience emerge as critical elements for preventing the exploitation of illicit economies by violent extremist groups, while avoiding measures that may inadvertently deepen marginalization or undermine local coping mechanisms.
Registration
Participation is free of charge, but prior registration is required.
Please register here
