A mixed picture emerges from Sub-Saharan Africa in the latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI), even as the report highlights a concerning global increase in terrorist activity. While the Sahel region remains a global epicenter of terrorism, deaths in other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa have declined, offering a glimmer of hope amid broader challenges.

The 12th annual GTI, released today by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), reveals that the number of countries recording a terrorist attack increased from 58 to 66 worldwide, reversing nearly a decade of improvements. However, within Sub-Saharan Africa, trends are diverse.

The Sahel region continues to bear the brunt of terrorist violence, accounting for over half of all global terrorism deaths in 2024. Burkina Faso, despite showing signs of overall improvement, remains the most affected nation for the second consecutive year, responsible for one-fifth of all terrorism deaths globally. Six of the ten countries in the Sahel region recorded at least one fatality, highlighting the persistent threat.

Weak governance, ethnic tensions, and ecological degradation create a fertile ground for terrorist groups to flourish in the Sahel. Competition over the region’s mineral resources, particularly gold in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, further exacerbates instability. The shifting geopolitical landscape, marked by a growing Russian presence and the withdrawal of France, adds complexity to the region’s security dynamics.

The situation in Niger illustrates the fragility of progress. After achieving the second-largest improvement in the GTI in 2022, the country experienced a significant reversal, recording a 94% increase in terrorism deaths in 2024, reaching 930 fatalities – the largest surge globally.

In contrast to the dire situation in the Sahel, other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa (excluding the Sahel) witnessed a decline in terrorism-related deaths. These deaths are now at their lowest since 2016, dropping by 10%. This suggests that counter-terrorism efforts in some regions are yielding positive results, although the overall threat remains significant.

Steve Killelea, Founder & Executive Chairman of IEP, noted that “98% of all terrorist deaths occurred in conflict zones, with 2024 recording the highest number of conflicts since the end of WWII.” He emphasized the need to address the root causes of conflict to effectively control terrorism.

The GTI underscores the need for a nuanced approach to counter-terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa. While sustained efforts are needed to combat the escalating threat in the Sahel, it is crucial to consolidate the gains made in other regions.

Africa’s oldest and largest legal alliance has this week officially added DABLO Law Firm LLP to its roster of more than 700 lawyers across 30 African nations providing local and cross-border solutions for clients

“We are delighted and honoured to welcome DABLO Law Firm to LEX Africa,” says Pieter Steyn, the Chair of LEX Africa, which was founded in 1993 by pre-eminent South African firm Werksmans Attorneys and leading Kenyan firm Kaplan & Stratton.

More than thirty years on, LEX Africa is the largest African legal alliance, providing a ‘one stop shop’ wherever clients wish to do business in Africa, via its membership of leading independent firms covering most of the continent. The strategic addition of DABLO Law strengthens Ethiopia’s representation in LEX Africa’s expansive network.

“Ethiopia is a key African jurisdiction and DABLO Law Firm expands our Pan African Team and presence to cover 30 African countries,” adds Steyn, a Director at Werkmans who has chaired LEX Africa since 2001, and is also a former Co-Chair of the International Bar Association’s Antitrust Committee, and African Regional Forum. “We look forward to working together with our new Ethiopian colleagues.”

DABLO Law co-founder and Managing Partner Dawit Kidane says admission to LEX Africa is a significant milestone, and a testament to their firm’s commitment to delivering high-quality legal services with a pan-African perspective. “As Ethiopia continues to attract international investment, being part of LEX Africa allows us to offer clients seamless access to top-tier legal expertise across the continent.”.

LEX Africa’s stated mission is to collaborate with member firms to drive business growth in Africa through best legal practice by attracting, developing, and promoting world-class professional skills for the continuing success of the network and the broader continent. African firms joining the alliance are subject to strict performance and selection criteria, to ensure world-class standards of legal practice.

Both DABLO Law as a firm, and Kidane individually, were ranked in the recent Chambers Global Guide 2025 for General Business Law, and the firm was also ranked in the most recent Legal 500, and shortlisted for the 2025 Chambers Africa Awards.

“We are honoured to become LEX Africa’s exclusive Ethiopian member,” adds Addisu Hailegebrel, DABLO Law co-founder and Deputy Managing Partner. “This alliance not only expands our reach but also enables us to collaborate with some of Africa’s most respected law firms. Our clients will benefit from enhanced cross-border legal capabilities, and we look forward to contributing to the alliance’s continued success.”

Revolutionary changes to Ethiopia’s legal system and wider economy in recent years provide exciting opportunities for local and international clients, with the East African nation becoming an attractive market for investors. The addition of DABLO Law further enhances LEX Africa’s ability to offer world-class legal expertise across Africa.

Established by Kidane, Hailegebrel, and fellow experienced Ethiopian lawyer Bruk Geremew following a 2021 proclamation that allowed the creation of law firms in Ethiopia for the first time (previously the legal profession was made up of sole practitioners specialising in litigation), DABLO Law specialises in a broad range of legal areas, including corporate and commercial law, investment law, litigation and dispute resolution, employment law, real estate and construction law, intellectual property, banking and finance, regulatory compliance, tax and customs, NGO and civil society law, gaming and entertainment law, and public-private partnerships.

“Becoming part of LEX Africa is a pivotal moment for our firm and the broader Ethiopian legal market,” says Geremew. “This alliance allows us to connect with Africa’s top legal minds, share knowledge, and enhance the services we offer to our clients—both local and international. As Ethiopia’s economy continues to evolve, having access to a trusted Pan-African legal network ensures that we remain at the forefront of delivering innovative, business-driven legal solutions.”

With a strong understanding of Ethiopia’s evolving legal and business landscape, DABLO Law, in partnership with LEX Africa, is well-positioned to support both local and international clients navigating the country’s dynamic investment climate.