Radicalised polisario members Join Al-Qaeda and Daesh in the Sahel

Spanish intelligence services have issued a serious warning about the worrying rise of Sahrawi involvement in jihadist groups operating in the Sahel. According to a confidential report by the National Intelligence Centre (CNI), cited by La Vanguardia, radicalised Sahrawi fighters from the Tindouf camps in Algeria have joined Al-Qaeda and Daesh, even occupying leadership roles.

This development is particularly notable in the so-called “Sahel triangle” – Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger – where armed groups dominate in the face of weakened governments. The report notes that some of these Sahrawi jihadists once benefited from the Holidays in Peace programme, having lived in Spanish foster homes before their radicalisation.

The CNI warns that these individuals, fluent in Spanish and familiar with Spanish culture, pose a heightened risk to European security. Their ability to operate discreetly, mobilise lone actors, and carry out attacks without raising alarms makes them especially dangerous.

Two terrorist groups are specifically highlighted: Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), affiliated with Al-Qaeda, and Daesh – West Africa Province (ISWAP). The latter is seeing a growing number of radicalised Sahrawis in its leadership and is known for its extreme violence.

Recent attacks in early June, coinciding with Eid al-Adha, underscore the seriousness of the threat: over 400 Malian soldiers were killed in just a few days by jihadist militias. In Burkina Faso, insecurity remains widespread.

The report also notes the rise of Iyad Ag Ghali, now seen as the Sahel’s new “warlord.” Leading an army of over 6,000 fighters, his strategy focuses on securing rural areas before advancing toward regional capitals.

Spanish counter-terrorism analysts consider the Sahel a direct threat to Europe. Spain fears the region could become an uncontrollable safe haven for international terrorism, just on Europe’s southern doorstep.

Finally, the surge in extremism is also fueled by the dire conditions in the Sahrawi camps: extreme poverty, lack of opportunity, reliance on aid, and a deep sense of abandonment. This environment creates fertile ground for radicalisation and jihadist recruitment.