About: Sahel
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.
UN raises $1.7 billion for hungry, displaced millions in Sahel
The United Nations raised more than $1.7 billion in pledges to fund aid efforts as UN aid chief Mark Lowcock warned a "preventable tragedy is looming" in the central Sahel region.
Coronavirus or not, African migrants push on toward Europe
Many Africans are managing to evade coronavirus lockdown barriers in Niger, the Sahel's migrant crossroads, as they press on with their perilous desert trek to the Mediterranean Sea and ultimately Europe.
Europe’s role in stopping Nigeria’s ‘silent slaughter’
Murderous attacks on Christians and ethnic minorities by the Fulani and Islamic terror groups in the northern regions of Nigeria have been going on for close to two decades, leaving more than 60,000 dead.
Nigerian activists seek EU backing to end nation’s ‘silent slaughter’
Dr Richard Ikiebe has led recent efforts to get international community backing to stop nearly two decades of ethnic and religious killing in Nigeria. “Now, people are listening to us”, he says.
Macron, Sahel leaders meet to boost anti-jihadist campaign
French President Emmanuel Macron will on Monday (13 January) host counterparts from five Sahel countries seeking more backing in the fight against a murderous jihadist uprising even as France's military role is being questioned.
Europe’s invisible new border
The EU has quietly outsourced migration control to countries in North Africa and the Sahel. But the human cost is high, and many migrants still remain determined to reach Europe.
Violence flares up as Malians vote in key election
Malians voted Sunday (29 July) in a crucial presidential election as attacks disrupted polling in areas already beset by deadly ethnic and jihadist violence.
EU relies on stability in the Sahel for its own security
“Europe’s security, and that of Spain, depend on security in the Sahel," said the EU Special Representative for the Sahel, Ángel Losada. EURACTIV’s partner Euroefe reports.
African leaders set up migration body, reject EU migrant ‘platforms’
African leaders have announced the creation of a new body to help coordinate national policies on migration, but rejected EU plans to set up migrant “disembarkation platforms” on their soil.
France asks for more coordination between European expertise agencies
European expertise agencies, the kingpins of solidarity policy, want to work more together in order to establish themselves as true competitors in the face of United Nations agencies, especially in the field of security. EURACTIV.fr reports.
More funds for G5 Sahel after Brussels conference
The funds mobilised in support of the armed forces of the countries in the Sahel region amount to €414 million following the summit in Brussels. However the issue of securing funding on a long-term basis has not been solved.