About: Sahel
EU ends part of Mali training mission, fearing Russian interference, Borrell says
The EU on Monday (11 April) decided to halt its military training missions in Mali but will keep a presence in the Sahel, the bloc's top diplomat said.
France, allies announce Mali withdrawal, plan relocation
France and its European partners involved in the fight against Islamist militants in Mali have decided to start the coordinated withdrawal of their military resources in the country, a joint statement said on Thursday (17 February).
Macron hosts European and African leaders in preparation of Sahel redeployment
The French president welcomed his European and African counterparts to revisit actions to combat terrorism in the Sahel, confirming that the redeployment of French troops in the region is on the horizon.
Open letter: EU must support a just rural transformation in Africa’s Sahel
Growing instability across Africa’s Sahel threatens the livelihoods of millions, promotes migration across the region and to Europe, and puts at risk the very survival of some states, argue H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou and Catherine Chabaud. H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou...
Sanctioned Mali seeking ‘compromise’ with West African neighbours
Mali's ruling junta said Wednesday (9 February) that it was in talks with the West African bloc ECOWAS and other organisations to find a "compromise" on restoring civilian rule.
At least 30 Islamist militants killed in Mali joint operations, France says
At least 30 Islamist militants were killed and dozens of vehicles and weapons destroyed during joint operations between the French-led Takuba task force and Malian soldiers last week, the French Army Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday (8 February).
The Sahel insurgency is shaking West Africa’s democratic foundations
The latest coup attempt in Burkina Faso is evidence that politics is failing, not merely on a national level but on a regional level, writes Faisal Al Yafai.
France urges EU sanctions against Mali
France is to press the European Union to agree sanctions against Mali after its military-dominated leadership shelved a timetable for elections, the French foreign minister said on Wednesday (12 January).
2022: Europe’s ‘ring of fire’ keeps smouldering
In 2022, EU foreign policy looks towards some fire fighting to salvage what is left of the once-dominant dream of building a ‘ring of friends’ from the Caucasus to the Sahara. Over the past year, Europe has woken up to...
Germany considers relocating soldiers in Mali mission
Germany would not rule out transferring its military mission in Mali to another country if the danger is too great, Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht said Sunday (19 December).
Sudan coup imperils hard-won international backing
From the United States to the Arab league, the world reacted with alarm after an apparent coup in Sudan where armed forces on Monday (25 October) detained the prime minister.
Macron says French forces killed Islamic State leader in Sahara
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday (15 September) that French military forces had killed Islamic militant Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi, the leader of Islamic State in the Greater Sahara.
Germany, France warn Mali over Russian mercenary deal
Germany warned Mali on Wednesday (15 September) that a deal with Russian private security group Wagner would "call into question" its deployment in the West African country as part of United Nations and European Union missions.
Deal allowing Russian mercenaries into Mali is close – sources
A deal is close that would allow Russian mercenaries into Mali, extending Russian influence over security affairs in West Africa and triggering opposition from former colonial power France, seven diplomatic and security sources said.
Ministers call for OSCE-type conference for the Mediterranean
The 2015-2016 refugee crisis must not repeat itself in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, foreign ministers of Mediterranean countries stressed at Bled Strategic Forum on Thursday (2 September), calling for more cooperation in the region.
Borrell: EU should prepare for the next crises – Iraq, Sahel
The fall of Kabul to the Taliban and the chaotic international evacuation effort shows that Europe needs to develop its own military capacity independent of the United States, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell argues.
France threatens to pull troops out of Mali
President Emmanuel Macron warned in comments published Sunday (30 May) that France will pull its troops out of Mali if it lurches towards radical Islamism following the second coup in nine months.
Mali president, PM resign after arrest by military junta
Mali's interim president and prime minister resigned on Wednesday (26 May), a top junta aide said, two days after they were detained and stripped of their powers in what appeared to amount to the country's second coup in nine months.
‘Terrorists’ kill three European journalists in Burkina Faso
Three European journalists – two Spanish and one Irish – have been killed in an attack on an anti-poaching patrol in Burkina Faso, officials said Tuesday (27 April).
Chad bids farewell to Deby as France and allies back his son
Chad began funeral ceremonies on Friday (23 April) for veteran ruler Idriss Deby Itno, a key figure in the fight against the Sahel's jihadist insurgency, as France and regional allies voiced backing for his son and successor, Mahamat Idriss Deby.
Germany calls for closer cooperation with France over security threats
German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has called for closer bilateral cooperation with France in light of the tense security situation in Europe marked by the Russian "threat", the rise of China and spreading "Islamist terrorism" in the Sahel region. EURACTIV France reports.
Veteran Chad leader Deby dies, the military take over
Chad's President Idriss Deby Itno has died reportedly in combat just a day after securing re-election, opening a period of uncertainty in a country that is a key strategic ally of the West in a troubled region.
French MPs: Diplomacy, military slow to address climate change as driver of armed conflict
Diplomats and armed forces have been slow to address the security consequences of climate change, a French parliament fact-finding mission concluded on Wednesday (27 January). EURACTIV France reports.