Assessing drivers of conflict and violent extremism across West Africa

FCP has conducted a series of operational research projects for the UK Government on conflict, stabilisation and violent extremism issues for the UK Government in West Africa. These have included examining the terrorist threat and response in Cote d’Ivoire; conducting research into Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) in Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger; mapping armed groups and their motivations in North West Nigeria; assessing cross-border drivers of conflict in Mali and Niger; surveying local people’s perceptions of the UN stabilisation force (MINUSMA) in Mali; and analysing the role of sexual violence as a conflict driver and women’s role in peacebuilding in Northern Nigeria.

The research projects have combined desk-based literature reviews with primary research including key informant interviews, focus group discussions and quantitative surveys on the ground. The findings have been shared widely and are being used to shape UK policy and programmes in West Africa.