This article has been written by Advitya Ahlawat, a 2nd Year Student of School of Law, Christ University, Bangalore.

Abstract – This conversation explores the growing security problem in the Sahel region, which is being driven by armed non-state actors. Concerns are heightened by the difficulties the G5 Sahel Joint Force is facing and the possible removal of UN funding. A comprehensive plan is required due to the complex relationship that exists between security, climate change, and humanitarian challenges. Groups such as the Wagner Group are prime examples of violent extremism, which is a serious concern with international implications. Underlining the UN’s dedication to African counterterrorism is the Secretary-General. Inclusionary, long-term solutions are the focus of the next conference of the UNITAR Division for Peace Advisory Board. In order to guide the Sahel toward enduring peace, this abstract emphasizes the critical need for international cooperation.

Keywords: Sahel, security crisis, G5 Sahel Joint Force, MINUSMA, climate change, humanitarian issues, violent extremism, Wagner Group, UN Security Council, UNITAR Division for Peace Advisory Board, international collaboration, peacebuilding.

Introduction:

As was mentioned in the most recent briefing to the UN Security Council, the security situation in the Sahel region is becoming a cause for worry. Due to the actions of armed non-State groups, the tri-border region of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger is still experiencing increasing levels of instability. During the Security Council meeting, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee underlined the critical need for increased help to fight terrorism and extremism in the Sahel. This conversation highlights the continued difficulties the area faces, such as putting the G5 Sahel joint force into action and dealing with the intricate interplay between security, humanitarian, and climate change-related concerns. Key Points are as follows:

• Sahelian security situation: Large-scale attacks against civilian and military objectives by non-State armed groups continue to be a source of concern for Sahelian security. The tri-border region, especially Liptako-Gourma, is experiencing a rise in unrest due to ongoing conflicts between several armed factions.
• Operationalization of the G5 Sahel Joint Force: Despite advancements in this sector, the tri-border region’s level of insecurity is still rising. The force’s ability to stabilize the area is in jeopardy due to the Tripartite Agreement’s expiration in June as well as logistical and operational difficulties.
• Function of MINUSMA: The joint force has received substantial support from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), including operational and logistical help. But with the Tripartite Agreement expiring, there are worries about this support possibly ending and how it would affect the capabilities of the joint force.

• Support from the international community is required: Although the efforts of the international community are praiseworthy, they have not been sufficient to provide the joint force with the essential authority. The need of closing this gap was underlined throughout the discussion, particularly in terms of long-term financing, gear, and a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond military tactics.
• Relationship Between Security and Climate Change: Aïssatou Diouf emphasized the inextricable connection between security and climate change in the Sahel. Droughts and land degradation are among the environmental stresses the area is facing; these factors are causing resource scarcity and migration. It is believed that addressing climate change is necessary to achieve long-term stability.
• Humanitarian Situation: Millions of people in Burkina Faso and Mali are in need of aid as a result of the security crisis, which has made the situation worse. Children and women are especially at risk, suffering the most from hunger and abuse.
• Council Members’ Concerns and Suggestions: Concerns about the humanitarian crisis, the security environment, and the requirement for ongoing coordination to address issues—particularly terrorism—were voiced by council members. A number of speakers emphasized the significance of democratic transitions and regional collaboration.
• Various Opinions on External Interventions: Various opinions were spoken about the effects of external interventions. Some delegates focused on the rise in terrorist activities and the dangers facing states along the coast, while others highlighted the destabilizing effects of Western military incursions in the area, namely in Libya.

Concerns Regarding Violent Extremism in Sahel:

The humanitarian crises and rising instability throughout Africa are caused by the emergence of violent extremist groups, which presents a serious threat to the Sahel region. The consequences affect not just the area but also the financial and security interests of both Europe and the United States. The depletion of regional leadership and the retreat of foreign counterterrorism assistance have left a void that has allowed violent extremism to grow. The Wagner Group entered Mali and began conducting indiscriminate attacks against civilians, taking advantage of this gap in defense. The region is possibly more dangerous because to the convergence of security challenges, which include cooperation between terrorist groups like ISGS and ISWAP and between terrorist and criminal groups.

 An additional element of complexity arises from the Sahel’s significance as a transit region for migrants en route to northern coastal states and Europe. Growing violence may trigger a wave of uprooting and migration, adding to the burden already placed on Europe and the northern and coastal African governments. Consequently, this might put additional strain on ongoing relief and humanitarian endeavours, to which the US has made a substantial contribution. Extremist groups have gained confidence as a result of recent events, such as the evacuation of French and European forces from Mali, which has increased bloodshed.

Concerns have been made and investigations into human rights breaches have been sparked by the Wagner Group’s and Malian military’ joint operations against civilians. Structural shifts, including as military takeovers in Niger and Burkina Faso, have added to the volatility. There are worries about a possible power vacuum and difficulties in the transition to civilian administration following the UN peacekeeping force’s (MINUSMA) pullout from Mali. The complicated issues faced by the area are highlighted by the situation in Burkina Faso, which is characterized by violent protests, military coups, and attacks by extremist organizations. The complex web of problems is further compounded by allegations of civilian atrocities and the involvement of other parties such as the Wagner Group. The nineth attempts at overthrow in three years, the coup in Niger, has severely damaged counterterrorism efforts. 

Prolonged instability is more likely because the coup leaders, supported by surrounding military governments, are unwilling to give up power. In order to address the underlying causes of extremism, enhance regional stability, and assist the impacted nations in their transition towards peace and democracy, the changing Sahelian environment necessitates international attention and cooperative efforts. To effectively address the complex issues in the region, a comprehensive strategy that incorporates human rights protection, development projects, security measures, and diplomatic outreach is essential.

The Role of Security Council:

During an open discussion on “Countering Terrorism and Preventing Violent Extremism by Strengthening Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional Organizations and Mechanisms,” organized by the Government of Mozambique, Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres delivered his remarks to the UN Security Council. Thanking Mozambique for starting this discussion on time, Mr. Guterres emphasized that terrorism continues to be a cause as well as an effect of many of the global issues that the Council addresses. According to the Secretary-General, terrorism thrives when it takes advantage of flaws and instability in the political, economic, and security institutions. He emphasized the cunning strategies used, which prey on the anxieties and weaknesses of those who are experiencing famine, starvation, and poverty.

The Secretary-General also emphasized the ways in which terrorism fuels tensions by taking advantage of injustices, participating in illicit activities like money laundering, illicit mining, and human trafficking, and spreading misinformation and hatred online. Mr. Guterres expressed grave worry and brought attention to the progress made by terrorist organizations in the Sahel and other areas, highlighting their attempts to spread influence from community to community. An concerning threat is posed by the expanding trail of terror, which is identified by the movement of fighters, money, and weaponry between areas as well as partnerships with organized crime and pirate organizations. This threat is exacerbated by the internet, which offers a worldwide forum for the spread of extremist beliefs.

Although the goal of terrorism is to divide people, the Secretary-General recognized that combating it may bring nations together. He cited cooperative efforts in Africa, the continent that is home to multiple regional counterterrorism programs. Collaborative efforts in the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, and Mozambique are noteworthy instances, as is the resolve of African leaders at the most recent Extraordinary Summit of the African Union regarding terrorism and unlawful regime transitions. The Secretary-General reaffirmed that the UN is committed to helping Africa put an end to the evil of terrorism. In order to strengthen Member States’ responses, the Counter-Terrorism Committee conducts assessment visits and produces actionable recommendations.

 This support includes policy guidance, technical help, and endorsement for penalty regimes. The tight cooperation with regional/subregional African organizations and the African Union is a key component of this support. Assistance that is specifically tailored to the needs of African Member States includes protection of human rights, reintegration, rehabilitation, legal support, investigations, and prosecutions. The Secretary-General called on Member States to support this important work, highlighting the upcoming African Counter-Terrorism Summit that is being co-organized with Nigeria.

The Secretary-General, in collaboration with co-facilitators Canada and Tunisia, views the upcoming ninth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in June as a crucial chance to bolster initiatives and tackle the systemic factors that give rise to terrorism. He underlined the necessity of centering counterterrorism initiatives on human rights, recognizing that security-focused efforts alone may unintentionally aggravate marginalization and exclusion.

In closing, the Secretary-General defended the New Agenda for Peace, which outlined a comprehensive strategy for creating stable and peaceful societies. Important elements of this all-encompassing approach included prevention, addressing the social and economic environments that encourage terrorism, inclusiveness, which takes into account the experiences of all communities, and a resolute dedication to human rights and the rule of law. The Secretary-General emphasized the continued efforts to end this evil and stated his resolve to protect the rights and dignity of all who have been harmed by terrorism. He expressed gratitude to the Member States and the Council for their assistance in these vital initiatives in Africa and elsewhere.

Can The Sahel Ever Embrace Peace?

The UNITAR Division for Peace Advisory Board’s interactive conference is set for March 29, 2023. Its topic will be the ongoing and concerning situation in the Sahel region. The Sahel is still unstable after more than ten years of conflict and counterterrorism efforts, endangering populations and resulting in great suffering. In Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Niger, and North-East Nigeria, about 33 million people needed life-saving aid as of 2022. Millions of students are impacted by the closure of over 10,000 schools in the area due to a humanitarian crisis. There are almost 7.5 million individuals who require humanitarian assistance immediately. The underlying reasons of instability are multifaceted and include factors like political unrest, economic hardship, armed organizations, and climate change.

Non-state entities that engage in profitable illicit operations, such as trafficking, include Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al Qaeda. They take advantage of the fast changing local circumstances. This exposes and challenges national governments’ disregard for civilian protection. Extremist violence is fueled by the current state of the economy, poverty, climate change, and food insecurity. The problem is made worse by the region’s susceptibility to climate change, with extreme droughts and floods causing desertification and resource scarcity. Political instability is further exacerbated by ethnic tensions and a lack of faith in national authorities and governments. 

The conference will stress that a diverse response is necessary to fully address these issues. Solutions should prioritize fairness, inclusive social contracts, and effective governance over military action. In order to create enduring peace, it is essential to strengthen states, support youth employment, empower women, and combat climate change through projects like the Great Green Wall. The conference intends to examine sustainable solutions, draw attention to the opportunities in the Sahel, increase understanding of the drivers of conflict, and raise awareness of the humanitarian crises.

 In order to promote peace in the Sahel, it will bring together experts and stakeholders to share ideas, evaluate how the situation has changed over the past 10 years, and pinpoint possible project and collaboration areas. The conversation is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 16 of the UN, which promotes collaboration at the local, regional, and global levels with an emphasis on justice, peace, and robust institutions.

Conclusion:

It is clear that the forthcoming UNITAR Division for Peace Advisory Board meeting has potential to solve the long-standing issues in the region. Due to the complex interplay of armed conflicts, economic problems, and climate change, addressing instability calls for a diverse and inclusive strategy. The focus on social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and good governance aligns with the need for all-encompassing, people-centered solutions that go beyond conventional military interventions. The millions of people affected by the humanitarian catastrophe highlights how urgent these efforts are. There’s hope that the meeting, which seeks to foster cooperation and investigate long-term solutions, will play a major role in guiding the Sahel towards permanent peace. The region’s ability to realize this vision will be greatly aided by international cooperation and support.

Reference: 

1. This article was originally published on United Nations website. The link for the same is herein. https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15283.doc.htm
2. This article was originally published on United Nations website. The link for the same is herein. https://press.un.org/en/2023/sgsm21746.doc.htm
3. This article was originally published on Global conflict Tracker website. The link for the same is herein. https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/violent-extremism-sahel
4. This article was originally published on UNITAR website. The link for the same is herein. https://www.unitar.org/sustainable-development-goals/peace/our-portfolio/events/can-peace-ever-return-sahel
5. This article was originally published on Relief Web website. The link for the same is herein. https://reliefweb.int/report/burkina-faso/armed-groups-coups-detat-destabilize-west-africa-sahel-role-united-nations-regional-office-key-consolidating-democracy-speakers-tell-security-council
6. This article was originally published on Indian Council of World Affairs website. The link for the same is herein. https://www.icwa.in/show_content.php?lang=1&level=3&ls_id=9739&lid=6233
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