Cattle rustling is no longer just a local crime, it's become a major driver of violence and instability in parts of West Africa.

A new report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, reveals how armed groups like JNIM are using stolen livestock to fund operations across the Sahel, and how the trade is spilling over into neighbouring countries like Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.

The report also highlights the role of state-backed forces in this illegal economy.  

Thabiso Lehoko spoke to Flore Berger, a senior analyst at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime and the lead author of the report...