Sahel

Enhancing Regional Security Through Cooperation In a recently held lecture at the University of Ibadan, Musa addressed important security concerns, emphasizing the ongoing military alliance between Nigeria and the Sahel states. This alliance, he noted, persists despite the political uncertainties and recent withdrawals from regional organizations. What does this mean for Nigeria? It suggests that even in a time of political flux, the focus must remain on the broader picture of national and regional security. During his…

Strengthening Economic Sovereignty in the AES Region Recently, in the heart of Niamey, Niger’s bustling capital, a pivotal gathering took place among ministers from member countries of the AES bloc. Coming together in a spirit of collaboration, they reached a consensus on a vital issue—the timely release of funds necessary to activate the newly established bank. This agreement marks an important milestone, signaling the imminent commencement of the bank’s operations, which many hope will catalyze regional development and…

In a significant development for regional agriculture, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have united to establish the Alliance of Agricultural Seed Producers of the Sahel (APSA-Sahel). This initiative aims to enhance food sovereignty across the Sahel, specifically by fostering seed systems that are carefully tailored to the region's unique climate and agricultural challenges. The announcement was recently made by Denis Ouédraogo, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Agriculture, highlighting a collaborative commitment shared…

The Republic of Niger has taken a significant step forward in its political journey by officially unveiling the Consultative Council for Refoundation (CCR). This event marks yet another milestone in the nation’s ongoing transition towards a more stable and participatory governance. As reported by Sputnik Africa, the launch ceremony took place in the vibrant atmosphere of the Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center located in the heart of Niamey, Niger's capital. Imagine the room filled with a diverse group of…

The Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has enacted a bold vision for regional justice. They recently unveiled plans to establish a Sahelian Criminal and Human Rights Court aimed at prosecuting offenses that transcend their borders. This initiative not only seeks to unify the legal frameworks of these three nations but also aspires to foster "an area of peace, security, and sustainable development." It’s a remarkable ambition, don’t you think? In articulating this goal, these nations are…

AFRICOM and the Sahel Crisis: A Global Concern On May 30, 2025, during a pivotal digital press briefing at the African Chiefs of Defense Conference, U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, who heads U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), painted a stark picture of the current security landscape. He labeled the Sahel as the “epicenter of terrorism on the globe,” a declaration that resonates deeply given the escalating crises in this region. The Sahel, a vast belt of land stretching across Africa from the…

The Growing Humanitarian Landscape: Russia's Expanding Role in Africa In a significant gesture of support, the Russian Foreign Ministry has announced the dispatch of 709.5 tons of humanitarian aid to Burkina Faso, alongside an impressive commitment to supply up to 20,000 tons of wheat to Niger. This initiative forms a crucial part of a broader strategy aimed at reinforcing ties with the region’s military-led governments. The question arises: what are the implications of such actions in a complex geopolitical landscape? As…

The European Union finds itself at a significant crossroads in its relationship with the Sahel region. An urgent call for a transformative political strategy has been articulated in an open letter to the EU Vice President by Human Rights Watch. They assert that the "Integrated Strategy in the Sahel," which was introduced in April 2021, has unfortunately grown antiquated, especially in the wake of recent military coups in the central Sahel. Why, one might ask, does this matter? The Sahel, a vast stretch of land encompassing…

The recent developments within ECOWAS mark a significant turning point, particularly after the formal withdrawal of the Sahel states—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—from the regional bloc earlier this year. This departure not only deepens the existing political rift but also signifies a substantial shift in the regional dynamics and strategic operations of ECOWAS. An extraordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Ghana addressed these pressing concerns, as future relations with the three now-excluded…

In Accra, the vibrant capital of Ghana, heads of state from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have convened for a pivotal meeting. This gathering comes in response to a significant development: three member nations have announced their intent to withdraw from the bloc in January. As the discussions unfold, the leaders aim to explore the complexities surrounding the countries' exit and its broader ramifications for ECOWAS agencies. ECOWAS, a cornerstone of regional cooperation, has consistently upheld…