A new CAR report reveals how decades-old state-issued weapons—many diverted from national stockpiles—are fuelling Salafi-jihadist insurgencies in the central Sahel, exposing the enduring danger of legacy arms left to fester in unstable regions.

The proliferation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) across West Africa, driven by the misuse of dual-use technologies and weak border controls, has created a profound security and humanitarian crisis that demands urgent, coordinated regional and international action.

The Horn of Africa and the Sahel face significant challenges from conflict, climate change, and terrorism, necessitating tailored and effective responses to address their unique security and developmental needs.