Grievances, greed or tactics? The political ecology of jihadist expansion in West Africa’s WAP complex

Jihadist expansion in West Africa's W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) complex is primarily driven by tactical military advantages, not environmental grievances or economic motives. Contrary to earlier hypotheses, the study finds that protected forest areas serve as strategic rear bases rather than being leveraged for local resistance or illicit economies like poaching or gold mining. Qualitative evidence from interviews and surveys with stakeholders in Benin, Niger, and Burkina Faso challenges the notion that conservation efforts exacerbate conflict, even in high-risk contexts. The research bridges political ecology and conflict studies, demonstrating that jihadist presence is more about securing operational advantages than exploiting local discontent.

Raineri, L. (2026). Grievances, greed or tactics? The political ecology of jihadist expansion in West Africa’s WAP complex. World Development, 199, 107229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2025.107229