According to BBC News reporting on 24 September 2021, more than 70 people have been arrested in Burkina Faso in connection with money laundering and the funding of armed groups. They stand accused of being involved in fuel trafficking in areas where jihadist groups are active. World Watch Research analyst Yonas Dembele explains: "Radical Islamic groups have gained ground in Burkina Faso and continue to target civilians. These groups have intensified their attacks despite the presence of thousands of UN, regional and Western troops, and efforts by some governments to negotiate with the militants.‚ While the arrest of these alleged financiers of militant activity is laudable and could possibly disrupt the financial support to these groups, it is unlikely that it will have any significant effect on their operations, since such violent Islamic groups in the Sahel are known to engage in criminal activities to fund themselves. The security situation is still likely to deteriorate, despite such government action."