SAHEL countries conflict - Part.1

The Sahel region, stretching across parts of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has long faced challenges related to poverty, weak governance, and environmental stress. Historically, these countries have experienced instability since their independence from France in the 1960s. Ethnic tensions, particularly with Tuareg populations in northern Mali and Niger, contributed to uprisings in the 1990s and early 2000s. These rebellions were sporadically resolved through peace deals, but underlying grievances—such as marginalization, lack of development, and political exclusion—remained unaddressed.

The modern phase of conflict began in 2012 when Tuareg separatists, joined by Islamist militants, launched an insurgency in northern Mali. After briefly declaring independence, the insurgency was overtaken by jihadist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and later ISIS, prompting a French-led military intervention. The violence soon spread into central Mali and across porous borders into Burkina Faso and Niger. Local grievances, poor state presence, and competition between communities over land and resources allowed extremist groups to gain a foothold. Civilians increasingly became targets, and communal violence further escalated insecurity throughout the region.

As of now, the Sahel remains deeply unstable. Jihadist groups continue to carry out deadly attacks, despite the presence of regional and international military forces. Coups in Mali (2020 and 2021), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023) have shifted focus away from security cooperation and toward nationalist military governance, weakening regional coordination. France has withdrawn many of its troops, and the military juntas have sought new alliances, including with Russia. Civilians remain the most affected, facing mass displacement, food insecurity, and diminished access to education and healthcare. Without inclusive political solutions and stronger regional cooperation, the crisis shows little sign of abating.