Cattle rustling is emerging as a growing concern across West Africa, intensifying amid the region’s broader security crisis.

The practice is costing several countries millions of dollars each year and fuelling tensions between communities.

In response, pastoral organisations, regional bodies, international institutions, security forces, and representatives from fifteen West African countries are meeting in Dakar, Senegal, to discuss coordinated solutions.

The meeting runs until February 12 as stakeholders seek strategies to curb the threat and protect livelihoods.