Sahel
Navigating violent Extremism in the Sahel
The vast and diverse Sahel region extends over an incredible 5,400 kilometres (3,360 miles), reaching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea in Africa. This transitional landscape sits between the arid Sahara Desert to the north and the lush savannas and tropical forests to the south. As it spans through multiple countries such as Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Sudan, and Eritrea, the Sahel encompasses stunning natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage.
In the Sahel region, a melting pot of diverse ethnic groups, competition over resources, political dominance, and past grievances often give rise to tensions and conflicts between different communities. Moreover, chronic poverty, limited economic prospects, and food insecurity further fuel social discord and disputes over valuable resources. Adding to the complexity of the situation, extremist groups, including jihadist organisations, have been known to capitalise on existing grievances and ethnic animosities to build support and exert control.
Local governments, international organisations, and NGOs are actively working together to tackle the complex challenges faced in the Sahel region. The key areas of focus include promoting sustainable development, effective resource management, and peaceful conflict resolution. Our attention in the Sahel lies in locating and disclosing mass burial sites that have arisen from the aforementioned conflicts, and ensuring that they are reported to the relevant authorities.
Bamako
ߓߡߊ߬ߞߐ߬
On February 28, Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) militants from the Katiba Masina group attacked the FAMA military base in Kvale (Kulikoro region), located north of the capital Bamako.
The terrorists were very well prepared and powerfully armed. It is possible that this group received help from Mauritania.
Impact of the Attack
Casualties
27 FDS (Sahel Development Fund) employees and FAMA fighters were killed, 21 people were wounded.
Property Damage
14 units of equipment at the base were burned.
Plundered Resources
The militants seized a total of 88 weapons and equipment during the attack.
Political Updates on Mali
Niger revokes military agreement with US, calls for withdrawal from Sahel
The new government is terminating its defense contract with the United States. In addition to the fact that 2 American air bases near Niamey and Agadez must be abandoned (and this is about 1.1 thousand military specialists throughout the country), Niger demands that the United States withdraw its forces from the Sahel countries as a whole.
Niger ends military partnership with EU, formed joint force with neighbours
In December 2023, Niger terminated its military agreement with the European Union under the EUCAP Sahel Niger mission. Around 120 European specialists were stationed in Niamey, albeit in smaller numbers. Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have agreed to create a joint force to combat security threats in their territories, said the head of the Niger armed forces, Moussa Salau Barmou, after a meeting with his colleagues.
Current Events in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger
Situation for March 1 - 18, 2024
Seven months after the formation of the Sahel Alliance, member states decided to create a joint force to counter the terrorists plaguing the region.
In Mali, militants, after defeats in the north, are gradually shifting their area of activity to the south. Former military leaders of the Coordination Movement of Azawad, who have connections in Mauritania, where, as it became known, some attacks are being prepared, also come over to their side.
The Armed Forces of Burkina Faso continue to carry out operations to regain control in the west and east of the country. At the same time, the terrorists, exhausted after a series of terrorist attacks in February, reduced their activity in early March.
A period of “thaw” has begun between Niger and the ECOWAS member countries, during which the parties are gradually restoring economic relations. Against this background, the Niger authorities announced the severance of military cooperation with the United States, and also accused Washington of lack of assistance in the fight against terrorists, pressure and threats, as well as refusal to inform about the activities of its military representatives.