Ghanaian anti-Fulani sentiment increases jihadist risk

Significance

Alongside similar incidents, this reflects a worrying trend in northern Ghana towards discrimination, stigmatisation and violence towards ethnic Fulani, who are often accused of sympathy with regional jihadists. Meanwhile, jihadist attacks on northern Benin, Ivory Coast and Togo have raised concerns that Ghana could be next.

Impacts

• Heightened insecurity could disrupt north-south transportation networks, potentially increasing food prices.
• Jihadists insurgents could appeal to other groups in northern Ghana affected by conflicts over local chieftaincies.
• Jihadist attacks could increase Islamophobia and deepen cultural and socio-economic divisions.