Terrorism in the Sahel: The Jihadists of Northern Africa | Investigative Documentary

Terrorist groups continue to extend their hold on Sahel, a region the size of Europe which lies south of the Sahara. Jihadist incursions happen daily, including terrorist attacks, murders, and raids on villages. The situation is increasingly explosive.
Armies from African nations are struggling to hold ground, which leaves entire areas undefended, and the French have decided to reduce their military support to the region. As a result, local people have been forced to take up arms to defend themselves.
Our team travelled to the centre of Mali, the heart of the Dogon people’s homeland. There we followed the Dan Na Ambassagou militia, made up of a thousand men armed with old guns. They face Islamist extremists who are equipped with Kalashnikovs and rocket launchers. But these “dozo” warriors also rely on charms, amulets and traditional beliefs in magic. They fight in temperatures of 45 degrees, with scarce water and no food. They are the last bastion of resistance for the 300,000 people who still live on the Dogon plateau.
Near Mopti, a city on the Niger River, we were able to interview four jihadists who had just deserted. Their testimony reveals the extremists’ recruitment methods as well as some surprising details about their way of life.
We also visited Mauritania, a country which is leading the way on the fight against terror. We were given exceptional access to the Mauritanian army during an operation led by the GSI, the Special Intervention Groups, which are commando units responsible for tracking down jihadist cells on the Malian border. A squadron of light aircraft worked as spotters, tracing the jihadist vehicles, and then destroyed them as they crossed the border.
Mauritania also has a special police force that can reach the most remote parts of the territory. They use an unusual form of transport - dromedaries! Colonel El-Khalil and his company of riders go deep into the desert for several weeks, so that they can gather intelligence from nomadic peoples.
This film is an immersive journey into the growing threat of a jihad without borders. First released in 2021.
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[@rosemiller1448]

The DOGO are the defense for the Sahel, against Jihadist. I respect these African DOGOS.

[@johnnyhenry7065]

The Dogon people are perhaps some most ancient people on the planet. Brothers together in unity.

[@Amal-ku9xq]

Well done dogo warriors, and self-defense against those who rape and pillage society is a must

[@MasterBlaster-nz3uv]

Never Forget

[@masudsaleh5155]

Nonsense 😂😂😂

[@johnnyhenry7065]

I feel a heart felt and soul connection with these amazing people.

[@makonnenwallen3408]

My African brothers we are one blood. Therefore, mamma Africa's children first. Brothers let's strive for a united Africa. No religion or ideology. Let's protect African people humanity. BLESSED UNITED AFRICA.

[@Cavebabybeserkerrs]

Facts. Africans come from the mother

[@informant09]

Please stop LARPING as civilized people.

[@makonnenwallen3408]

@@informant09 I am not pretending to care the wellbeing of Africa and Africans. Our humanity is always undermined because our skin is highly melanated skin as nature intended it to be.

[@Cavebabybeserkerrs]

@@informant09 What yall call civilized, we have always called savage acts 🎬. We different than yall

[@mmi5833]

Work to be DONE!!!

[@American1clickout]

There’s no way do they have enough rounds to win a war. They have no funding, basically no food or water and they’re such a small team

[@NgawangLobsang-nm4fx]

Saddest part is we dont see old african cultures these days.

[@kimberlyzworld]

That pleases you, doesn't it YT Boi?

[@PP-tuga]

​@Kimberlyz World it pleases me , for sure

[@PP-tuga]

​@@kimberlyzworld makes me very happy

[@dennykeaton9701]

​@@NgawangLobsang-nm4fx Destroyed by globalism and drugs

[@Demonhead1]

praying for these boys safety

[@Ian-bq7gp]

God is a God of peace and love and killing is forbidden. The dogoe are so brave and my heart goes out to these good men. God bless and protect them.

[@shueibdahir]

Imagine destroying the islamic histolical sites of timbuktu and calling yourself a muslim. Astaqfurullah this is the highest level of hypocritism if I've ever seen one

[@joskaabeatz8785]

they do it and they sell the relic they are just a mafia who claim muslim

[@apostlekofiwebbministries621]

I don’t think the so called jihadist are really Muslim. How can a Muslim burn the Koran? Does that make sense?

[@xendit1635]

Because tomb building is haram. The Islam you follow isn't Islam. It's secularism. Real Islam prohibit images, music and tomb worshipping. Only allah

[@shueibdahir]

@@xendit1635 So we destroy our peoples history and the reminders of how they used to live? Image is egyptians destroyed the pyramids of giza when they became muslims and the reminders is fircawns (Ramses II) rule?

[@dubhdallas]

God bless my country Uganda to remain peaceful

[@jerryrice8507]

Not for long

[@mistyred403]

chopping off those boys right hands heart breaking.

[@bryankabamba4100]

Wow! These are devoted fighters. I like the personality of the commanders they seem to be very good men. God bless!!!

[@masonsajem8277]

God Almighty Blessed You people. The evil enemy will be defeated.

[@EJ257IHI]

Africa is going to be the next battle ground of the world.

[@aulenebeckford6268]

Armageddon @

[@nebyeelda5862]

yes the new super power China and the old America are going to battle across the middle east and Africa.

[@raosohail3506]

Incredible straight story

[@O-m_o]

Religions of all kinds are destroying our beautiful Africa 😢

[@tonyturner5024]

☪️ this is destroying beautiful Africa 😢

[@user-gf4mr8jh2j]

I would really love to see those dawagandist in the west to come to these countries and fight these jihadist . They are wasting their time and resources in the peaceful west even to the extent of beating their chest . Imams and mullahs should be held accountable for the actions of these jihadist . It is them who are inciting these atrocities .

[@stevenhulbert7540]

Been listening to BBC for many years. They talk about the various militias in Africa and history of the battles. The dogo warriors are fierce fighters and they deserve respect for what they have to deal with, they need help but corruption is endemic.

[@user-dq8jd5qt4d]

No terrorists anywhere just chaos and theater just to secure presence in Africa and loot that is the bare fact

[@quimbey14]

Well done and informative documentary. Also impartial too. keep up the good work! :)

[@JavaDiscover]

We licensed the film to DW Documentary :)

[@nazuddin6346]

​@@theukvibe2920 Why watch them then bro

[@wildeninja2836]

2:17 YOU DROPPED YOUR RIFLE!! 👀

[@kehaboi]

🤣

[@ButtersCCookie]

Bless them. Protect them.

[@mrbrown4776]

Strange the exact same thing is occurring in Nigeria and they have moles in Government helping resisting government intervention against them few day ago 22 Nigerian soldiers were killed and buried yesterday nothing has been done for political reasons they have used religion and jihadist to capture political power

[@osawemwenegiebor6769]

Apart from African Union black nations must come together to form a political and military alliance to defend Black Africa.The time is now.

[@kimberlyzworld]

Family, we African Americans are discovering who we are because of DNA Testing. We all are from Black Africa and proud to claim her. We also have Mali in our blood, how can we help these brave warriors to protect their families and property?

[@T_JiZzle]

Honestly there is too much conflict and violence for our people across all nations.. my people faces gang violence, oil companies forcing ppl into piracy, uk knife violence, africans disowning african americans & more. It will take time For us of pure African decent to truly come together. Sn: Where the Naacp at?

[@MasterBlaster-nz3uv]

Lmao

[@iyaibeji4120]

Exactly

[@ndalisoxozwa3279]

Christianity and Islam to men is like rabies to a dog

[@marakujer7269]

i like this kind of "Mad Max"-Style of those Dogo worriers. Wearing Masks in combination with the landscape also kind of makes me associate them with any Star Wars-Desert-Planet-Tribe

[@honklerfinkelstein2113]

Reddit moment

[@salj.5459]

Get serious

[@LordOfSweden]

Yeah they look like a dress up from a movie 😂 Africa is funny

[@MustangMach1696.0]

Good luck for those who try to strive.god bless.

[@makembounce69]

Good doco

[@JimySlow-wq9bw]

Respect n salute to Mali people , may god-Allah protect this country , keep united keep together as one nation , sending good spirit n smile to Mali from jkrta city

[@johnsensserwadda9699]

May God the almighty bring everlasting peace to this beautiful African country...its sad that its being destroyed.

[@dellingson4833]

Great work trying to protecting the people. Where is this guy from @34:45 British, Australian? By the way the hunter's big respect tough people.

[@welelaayney4959]

That looks straight out of MAD MAX movie

[@joetyna888]

same problem in kenya

[@heralds5662]

I never thought that kenya has the same problem

[@joetyna888]

@@heralds5662 The locals blame the government for interfering since its their tradition since before colonial rule

[@markwainaina1537]

In Kenya it's a different story not like this am seeing maybe bandits from pokot

[@joetyna888]

@@markwainaina1537 I didn't say exactly

[@user-lo6fq9vr6r]

Am Kenyan ,we don't have that problem.

[@Fatyfing]

Thank you for the report even if it is dated before the departure of the French 😂 I am Dogon , born and raised in Dogon country. I lived with French and other Europeans in basic school 😢 but today the situation is much more peaceful than a year ago❤ Now I’m in Bamako.(A testimony from a young dogon in the French Version of this report)

[@AISHAHALI05]

Éé I ea

[@fadechronicfade4035]

so the dogon people dont have to stand watch anymore?

[@mugabezion5763]

More power to the Dogon people. You are brave people and respected all over the world. We will do everything to support you

[@za2206]

Alabama & Montana is same as Cliffs Dover, Whites that ain't Arab are held in a strange description avoiding Nature

[@abdulmuneerdost2465]

​@@fadechronicfade4035...yes, he means since France has been kicked out from these three countries...the terrorist power is being diminished. Although these terrorist are still getting some weapons/finance via one/two African countries puppets to France! 😢

[@niccoarcadia4179]

Yes the Dogo's are fierce fighters but my thoughts lie elsewhere. The corruption of the region is what keeps it from prosperity. Generals and politicians who take the money and run. They live in mansions in EU or even S. America. They are the true scourge. These are men that could have made a difference. Ask why a politician from a poor background is a millionaire on a civil service job? Ask why the aide dollars and Euros do NOT make it to the people.

[@StayHumble577]

Im an American my wife and son recently moved to the sahel, but on the Mauritanian side.

[@HolyArmor]

From america? Who those that

[@StayHumble577]

@HolyArmor That is where my wife is from she just moved back from The Gambia, but as for me I am a u.s born citizen....

[@HolyArmor]

@@StayHumble577 Why isn't she in America?

[@StayHumble577]

@HolyArmor immigration.. still waiting on them haven't heard anything back from them, unfortunately.

[@HolyArmor]

@87hazeleyes But I don't get why your son don't stay in America. I mean Mauritania sahel is not exactly the best place on earth to row up in.

[@michaelruthuku8790]

Fantastic doc. Who are these jihadists and who is sponsoring them?

[@joskaabeatz8785]

they got billion of dollars from oil in the middle east

[@Alemari_313]

Jehad is to defend against an enemy attacking your country. Not to attack and claim its jehad fools mislead by a bigger fool.

[@abdulkareemivan2922]

Jihad is to establish the law of Allah

[@mubarek09041985]

@@abdulkareemivan2922 jihad means to struggle or strive, your interpretation is your own understanding

[@masudsaleh5155]

​@@abdulkareemivan2922 Yes

[@masudsaleh5155]

​@@mubarek09041985😂😂😂😂

[@abdulkareemivan2922]

@@mubarek09041985 Yes Jihad means to struggle but there is also a military aspect to it that is wajib upon every Muslim to atleast believe in, this is how the early generations understood it.

[@13thghost42]

Those terrible people do the same atrocities in Nigeria too. The only difference is that the Jihadist are protected by the government and the army for ethnoreligious reasons.

[@user-qo1pp6vt5m]

Great videos

[@swapnillondhe8517]

🙏🙏Pls Translation in Hindi language I.ike This Documentary & this channel is very good 👍 informer thanks for this channels team🙏🙏

[@speaklifegardenhomesteadpe8783]

Go to the top right gear symbol, click captions and translate to your language. It works sometimes. Hope that helps! ❤😊

[@zakirnirob1268]

Butcher Modi of Gujarat

[@aishaahmed4553]

This is why I don't understand the war the Jihadists says they're fighting in the name of religion. One of the men on this video just said they destroyed their prayer rook, mat and more. Then I ask, if they're fighting religious war then why kill your fellow religious fellows? As for the Politicians, God will judge them... How can they turn blind eyes to this people and allow them to suffer alone?

[@graiant]

It is mostly an ancestral ethnic tribal war that is been going since the Neolithic . nomads vs sedentary tribes. They cover up under religion . the Rwanda genocide were both Christian but different ethnic tribal groups. Those so called jihadist are takfiris manipulated by foreign services

[@mikkelanderson2736]

​@@graiant its not the same dont mention christians in this its happening not only here with muslims but many many other countrys so stop. Do u know how it happen rwanda genocide?

[@concernedhomosapien9807]

@@graiant I agree with everything you said other than manipulated by foreign services. Why would they need to be manipulated at all? They are already ready to kill and pillage, no need for motivation especially from random spy agencies. Jihadis are thugs and gangsters basically, look up some of the captured Daesh members history, its all full of jail and prison time. Religion gives them cover to do their criminal activity.

[@lutufyodixon9997]

Its because Islam is a destructive force which was created by elites families in Rome using Arab tribes as expendables in 7th century

[@AfricanMaverick]

​@@graiantit proves that farming didn't first started in near east.

[@graiant]

This has to do about ethno-racial ancestral conflict of the nomadic tribes vs farmers , herders . the religious this is just a cosmetics pakg as it is an ongoing conflict for thousand yrs

[@FlagWaverFlagBearer]

It's the same religious jihadist war that's been going on for thousands of years

[@AfricanMaverick]

Nomads (West Asians) Vs Farmers (indigenous Africans)

[@rrichards146]

The government should be helping them

[@prashantprashant1476]

Wow

[@abusavastano7874]

Fulani from Mauritania ✊🏽❤️

[@kimberlyzworld]

Wow. And I get upset when my AT&T Phone starts buffering. When I find myself becoming angry about that I think about people like these in this documentary. I get calm ... real quick! Big up to these Mali warriors, we African Americans share DNA with these people, we are learning who we are, Mali is a part of us. Thanks for sharing. Is there an organization online that accepts support for their struggle?

[@kimberlyzworld]

@Death at Intervals Who the Hell are you?

[@kimberlyzworld]

@@yeahokbuddy2510 Nah, the glitches occur only in the building where I work. Other than that, I'm good. Thank bro!

[@AfricanMaverick]

part of DNA 🤔 😮 not sure

[@sepulcher8263]

@@AfricanMaverick Probably a tiny bit. More likely to find Nigerian ancestry.

[@sagitterroristreigns8899]

We are not the same as them but I do have empathy!

[@malcolmking5023]

Maat based people's courts and people's community patrols. If you agree with it or not if it's corrupted or not Islam has its own laws and standards for customary settling of disputes. We speak of indigenous Afrakan law but have the community come together to deal security and establishing people's community patrols and courts for any in the region who violate?

[@Cavebabybeserkerrs]

Nah. Africans come from the mother. Enlil seed gotta go 🚶‍♂️

[@desmondburnett9286]

question. which countries armed and finance the jihadis.

[@jamesawaokpanku5601]

The middle east shia and sunni Muslim governments

[@peterantony432]

Saudi Arabia, Iran, turkey, Pakistan are sponsors

[@richdecision9200]

The same Government

[@morgankibet9427]

The SAUDI's

[@akhalif579]

It seems resources water/grazing/ land ignited with ethnic tension are the mater mainly rather than religion or ideology either, poor governing is the root cause mostly unfortunately.

[@conradguy4690]

It seems more of a mix of issues with lack of centralised control from the government leading to a corrupt military that is unequipped leading to the local population having no support leading to fighting and arguing over land and property which jihadist exploit for recruitment and start to gain control and destroy everything that doesn’t agree with their point of view E.G not having Shia law you can see how religion is apart of the issue not the only issue but still a problem.

[@elajahceesay1905]

France is behind all these terrorists in west africa

[@masudsaleh5155]

Yes

[@Doonieman999]

22:04 Bruh are they playing Lay Low????

[@jeromenarimole694]

Hammer is a great leader and standing against inferior enemies

[@MegaAXDA]

Mauritania has a pact with the jihadists or terrorists that is why they don't attack there also when they run from Mali they go to Mauritania prepare themselves and come back. Because desert is vast and Malian army did not have drones or fighter jets it is was difficult. The good things is that now since Mali Gov kicked French and UN soldiers out of my Mali The government now is able to buy helicos and drones from Russia and turkey which helped a lot against the fight with terrorism

[@CMjp]

How's it a peaceful Religion with all these!!!

[@baldingeagle8404]

It isn’t a peaceful religion

[@keyboardwarrior1375]

They said no fire to not be seen. Lit with coal, a dusk....then this cluck camera man pulls out a light at darkness.

[@swapnillondhe8517]

Pls stop the Terrorist activities and Follow the Governments Rule & Pls save the humans life & pls save the country 🙏🙏

[@johnsensserwadda9699]

May God protect the Dorzo fighters.

[@boriskaragiannis]

11:23 the small little boy carries the most height ffs

[@Englsh129]

The dozo looklike something out of a star wars movie 😂

[@lilytea3]

0:15: 🔥 Jihadist control has made the dogon region in Mali the most dangerous in the country. 5:26: 🌍 Jihadist groups in Mali are advancing due to the ill-equipped Malian Army and weak government, while Mauritania successfully holds them back. 11:52: 🔥 The danambasagu militia, led by Matau, is defending the Dogon territory in Mali against jihadist attacks, as the government and foreign forces provide little support. 17:54: 🔥 The dozo hunters in Casa protect the town from jihadist attacks, but the government is afraid to come due to the presence of jihadists. 23:20: ⚔ Fulani herders in Mali face increasing harassment and conflict, leading some to join jihadist groups. 28:19: 🌍 Persecution in Mali forces Fulani refugees to seek safety in Mauritania. 33:53: 🌵 The Mauritanian Army patrols the desert to combat smugglers and jihadists, with the help of nomads and a citizen police force. 39:54: 🌍 The men's mission is to form relationships with locals, address water shortages, and gather intelligence on suspicious activity to prevent conflict and jihadist presence in the desert areas. Recap by Tammy AI

[@PatriciaCanady-tu1ns]

Seems. To me these Arabic people and French is responsible for a lot Of this stuff going on In Mali. I pray I am wrong. God save these innocent people.

[@jamesdean5506]

The soldiers saying “ pop pop pop pop pop pop “ while aiming empty guns 😂😂💀

[@phoe9182]

Why is no one helping them

[@stanleyndubuisi8728]

Why is Malian Government not helping them?

[@B1g5t1nk]

28:13 fit goes hard

[@ZelenaDolina]

MasaAllah

[@GodsHound444]

2:17 😂 somewhere a D.I just died

[@mmi5833]

It's a Land dispute. Africans should negotiate their differences. Your Children are most important..!!

[@dramese]

It’s not land dispute, this has been going on for very long. People who mix with Arabs don’t see indigenous people as Muslims, who often practice Islam with their customs some refused to accept Islam altogether. But the Arabised one one to conquer the indigenous people like they have been trying many years

[@mmi5833]

@@dramese Arab History since the invasion of Africa since 642AD???

[@anthonywilliams-vx4cm]

The conflict has to end. Let peace reign. And let life go on normally.

[@Vasudevah-ht9ws]

Islamofacism rising in world

[@rosemiller1448]

The Sahel stretches from the savannah to the desert. They are plagued by terrorism especially in Mali

[@glomagbanua7319]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@stackzzzwirtzl]

Mad-Max: Sahel Supremacy loading😁

[@thomasedudzi1613]

Africa must unite 🙏

[@user-ik4km8id5s]

Best of luck to save peace ❤

[@BladeFitAcademy]

This seems like a text book situation for the Green Berets to drop in and help out with tech, material, and know how.

[@jordiegundersen1465]

Who are the Jihadists? where do they come from? who is their supreme leader? who arms & supports them? and why does it take so long to deal with them??

[@Userhuhu53]

Spoils and other things they make

[@1DaRavishing]

WHY?! is there NO support for these WARRIORS!🤬

[@frankfurt564]

the guy dropping the gun at the beginning tells me all I need to know. rip

[@MikeMike-st5vp]

He still out there though, not sitting behind a computer living a good life.

[@user-tw7nh7jj5l]

We know who are the snakes, right? The ones who just want all the jewels, diamonds, gold, soil. A house divided 😢

[@gmatesunny]

The peace loving religion spreading peace

[@salj.5459]

Muhammad was a warmonger

[@lydisnnaudu3831]

How can we support the freedom fighter of the father land of Mali...

[@karmalodey5255]

Looks like they came straight from the mad max movie..

[@Beasttamil14Mobile-qe2xr]

This peacefools don't let others to live peacefully

[@mwinyimwenyi]

If all Malians had the determined spirit of the dogon could defeat jihadists.

[@Catch-A-JOO]

Wow poor people

[@taygodsway7529]

God heal the world pls 😢😢

[@djamilalinigerstrauss5501]

Al Hamdu Lillah !

[@fransarktv]

Arise mama Africa.................................

[@sknmwms6516]

Fighting in the desert of the SOHEL.

[@simosimo-gp3en]

the fact is that what is hapenning is because of frensh they have made a war on libya that lead to all of that

[@jamesjumbulank7352]

Aluta continua, Vitoria é certa. Dogons, victory is yours. Don't give up. You shall win over your enemies. May your ancestors guide you and lead you to victory.

[@user-gr2su2ib5i]

Pray to Almighty God in Jesus name and you shall be saved

[@wilfredngwotang5448]

Why can't the Malian government upgrade their arms to modern weaponry ?

[@damonstjames]

This interviewer is lucky to be alive. The weapon discipline or rather the lack there of was scary. Pretty sure i saw the Islamic resistance guys wearing crocs and UGG's

[@djamilalinigerstrauss5501]

No Figures or Hulu’s bonus stoff - only the Crestor

[@abdimohamed1696]

We understand you guys qatar is one of investment volente anyway the world he watch you I don't no what is wrong united nation in My own openen I am not believe this amprel real there is no united nation we all understand

[@tomcat4321]

Islam, the religion of peace spreading peace everywhere 😂😂

[@ainsworthduncn4352]

How can humans live this way fighting everyday What is the enjoyment of life

[@Duane-tl2zc]

I'm confused, I thought the Dogon had their own religion And beliefs, so why would they read the Koran and why would jihadist burn the Koran?

[@salj.5459]

Unfortunately the Abrahamic religions have spread throughout most of Africa. Truly sad.

[@kaidakemes1260]

Blks killing blk due to religion.imagine that same story all over the globe. Wat In Africa. Big up the Dogon. Amen will bless y'all. This is ancient knowledge these great people. Study these Dogon

[@kevinmurphy650]

This is so sad these people knew all about our solar system before anyone check for yourself just pray and hope for peace all over our beautiful planet

[@CheNava1]

Oh Islam what have you done to my people . Such wicked acts against my people's why for a religion? Nah somebody is behind your crime for sure.

[@aulenebeckford6268]

Islam is a pagan relingon man all is the sun god,do some research.

[@joeyward8868]

Better to live like this on earth and have haven than to have it all on earth and to have hell after

[@agripasakala3177]

Who funds and equips the Jihadists...

[@Timeless_Africa]

.. Mad Max Africa