All articles tagged with #sahel
Leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have announced the formation of a joint military battalion to escalate their fight against extremist groups in the Sahel, signaling a shift towards active military operations and a strategic move to deter external intervention amid regional tensions and their recent withdrawal from ECOWAS.
A U.S. military general warns that the Sahel region in Africa has become the global epicenter of terrorism, with groups like al-Qaeda's JNIM expanding rapidly and increasing their ability to attack the US homeland, amid declining US aid and shifting military strategies in Africa.
Chad has announced the termination of its military cooperation agreement with France, marking a significant shift in its foreign relations. This decision follows a visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and reflects Chad's desire to assert its sovereignty. Despite ending the defense accord, Chad still hosts around a thousand French troops and considers France an essential partner. The move is seen as a 'historic turning point' and comes amid Chad's efforts to strengthen ties with Russia.
A study by World Weather Attribution (WWA) has linked the deadly Sahel heatwave in Mali and Burkina Faso to "human-induced" climate change, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius and causing a significant increase in deaths and hospitalizations. The extreme heat, described as a once-in-a-200-year event, was exacerbated by factors such as rapid urbanization and loss of green spaces. The study emphasized the need for countries to develop heat action plans and strengthen critical infrastructure to adapt to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events in the region.
Niger's decision to end a military pact with the US and turn to Russia for military assistance reflects a broader pushback against Western powers in the region, accusing them of seeking to control African governments and benefit from resources without effectively combating jihadist insurgents. However, this move may lead to a deterioration in the security situation, as the departure of the US and its drone capabilities, along with the isolation from regional blocs, leaves Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso lacking crucial support in tackling transnational security threats. The reliance on Russia for military assistance also raises uncertainty, as Moscow's military priorities are primarily focused on the war in Ukraine, potentially diverting resources from the Sahel.
Niger's junta has announced the end of its military cooperation with the United States, jeopardizing counterterrorism operations in the Sahel region. The decision comes after a visit by top U.S. officials and raises concerns about the future of U.S. military presence in the region, where jihadi groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State operate. The U.S. has been urged to reevaluate its diplomatic approach in Niger and the Sahel as a whole.
The United States is evaluating its counterterrorism operations in the Sahel region after Niger's junta announced the termination of its military cooperation with the U.S. The decision comes after a visit by top U.S. officials and raises concerns about the future of U.S. military presence in the region, where jihadi groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State operate. The junta's move follows a series of events, including the ousting of Niger's democratically elected president and the country's engagement with other international partners like Russia. The U.S. delegation's recent visit to Niger failed to yield positive results, highlighting the challenges in U.S. diplomacy in the region.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during his visit to Nigeria, positioned the United States as a more favorable security partner for Africa compared to Russia's Wagner mercenary group, which he accused of exploiting coup-hit and conflict-hit nations in the Sahel region. Blinken emphasized U.S. support for Nigeria and other regional partners in stabilizing the Sahel, particularly in light of recent coups. He highlighted the importance of strengthening security forces through equipment, technology, intelligence sharing, and technical support, while also stressing the need to address the root causes of military takeovers and engage with civil society actors and think tanks in the region.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarks on a four-nation tour of West Africa, emphasizing the US commitment to strengthening ties with the continent despite global challenges. The tour comes amid security concerns in the Sahel region and uncertainties surrounding a key US base in Niger. Blinken's visit aims to bolster partnerships with Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Angola, as the US seeks to counter the growing influence of China and Russia in Africa. Meanwhile, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield is concurrently touring Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, focusing on peaceful transitions of power and diplomatic engagement.
France has completed its military withdrawal from Niger after being asked to leave by the country's new junta, raising concerns about a gap in the fight against jihadi violence in the Sahel region. The departure of French troops leaves Niger and the entire Sahel worse off in terms of counterterrorism efforts, as Niger was seen as the last remaining Western partner in the fight against jihadi groups in the region. The withdrawal is already affecting security in Niger, with a surge in attacks, and there are concerns that violent extremist organizations may exploit the vacuum created by the departure of French troops to expand their operations in the Sahel.
Niger's junta has revoked two key military agreements with the European Union (EU) aimed at combating violence in the Sahel region. The move comes as the country's army leaders engage in discussions with a senior Russian defense official regarding military cooperation. Since the July coup, tensions between Niger and the EU have been escalating. In a rare visit, a Russian delegation met with Niger's junta leader to discuss defense issues, hinting at potential political ties with Moscow. The junta's consolidation of power and search for new partnerships have been emboldened by regional and international sanctions. Russia's private mercenary group, Wagner, has been active in Africa, including in Mali and the Central African Republic.
Over 1,300 African migrants, mostly young adult males from sub-Saharan Africa, reached Spain's Canary Islands over the weekend, with one boat carrying a record 321 people. This year, there has been an 80% increase in arrivals compared to last year, with a record two-week tally of 8,561 arrivals since October 1. The spike in illegal arrivals is attributed to the political destabilization of the Sahel region, which has seen a series of military coups. The Canaries have become a preferred destination due to tightened control over Mediterranean Sea routes, and Spain has pledged €50 million in emergency funding to help local governments cope with the influx.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will end its military cooperation with Niger and withdraw its 1,500 troops from the country by the end of the year following a military coup in July. This decision deals a blow to France's counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel region and its influence in the area. The junta in Niger welcomed the announcement, stating that it signifies a step towards the country's sovereignty. Macron affirmed his support for the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who is currently held prisoner by the coup leaders, and condemned the coup as an act of political cowardice.
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have signed a mutual defense pact known as the Alliance of Sahel States, aiming to cooperate against armed rebellion or external aggression. The pact binds the countries to assist each other, including militarily, in the event of an attack. The Liptako-Gourma region, where the three countries' borders meet, has been plagued by armed rebellion. The alliance will combine military and economic efforts to prioritize the fight against terrorism in the region. France's relations with the three states have soured since the coups, leading to the withdrawal of French troops and a tense standoff with the military in Niger.
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, three West African Sahel nations ruled by military juntas, have signed a security pact called the Alliance of Sahel States. The pact aims to provide mutual assistance and collective defense in the face of rebellion or external aggression. The countries, struggling with Islamic insurgents and strained relations with neighbors and international partners due to coups, have vowed to come to each other's aid if attacked. The signing of the pact comes as relations between France and the three states have soured since the coups, leading to the withdrawal of French troops and a tense standoff with the junta in Niger.