(New York, N.Y.) — A new report from the Counter Extremism Project (CEP), written by research analyst Riza Kumar, exposes the repercussions of deploying civilian counterterrorism militias in Mali, Niger, and Mozambique in response to the severe threat of Islamic extremist violence facing each country. 

The report details how these countries have incorporated additional lines of defense alongside conventional counterterrorism methods to address the protracted insurgencies carried out by regional affiliates of the global terror networks of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State in recent years. Along with local counterterrorism militias, Bamako, Niamey, and Maputo have also sought the assistance of progovernment militias (PGMs), such as Russia’s notorious Wagner Group, a private military company guilty of unlawful violence and other crimes against humanity.

CEP’s research traces the specific histories of civilian militias in each country to shed light on the detrimental impacts of the rise of civilian-led counterterrorism forces and PGMs. In Mali, for example, the report shows that 1,313 confirmed civilian casualties have been recorded over the past five years due to the actions of these auxiliary forces.

Riza Kumar, research analyst at the Counter Extremism Project (CEP), commented: 

“Civilian militias appear to be cost-effective, easy to mobilize, and significantly expand the number of actors involved in combating violent extremists. However, without proper oversight and control, they are likely to become more predatory over time, prioritizing self-serving agendas over their counterterrorism duties as their power and influence grow.

At present, the risks posed by these militias are neither actively assessed nor addressed, leading to serious long-term challenges for the state in sustaining public confidence in its governance and rebuilding trust in increasingly ineffective national militaries. Civilian militias remain unaccountable.”   

To read the new report, please click here.