What's behind the upsurge in violence in the Sahel? | Inside Story

Summary

The video discusses the worsening security crisis in Africa's Sahel region, where attacks by armed groups like ISIL and Al-Qaeda have sharply increased despite the presence of international troops. The UN Security Council has expressed alarm and urged greater cooperation, while regional leaders have met to find solutions. Various local conflicts and lack of trust in national armies, exacerbated by external factors like the situation in Libya, are contributing to the crisis. The discussion also explores the need for local legitimacy, improved military coordination, and grassroots reconciliation efforts.

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Q & A

What are the main armed groups operating in Africa's Sahel region?

The main armed groups operating in the Sahel region include ISIL, Boko Haram, Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (an Al-Qaeda affiliate), and Ansar ul-Islam.

Why has there been a rise in attacks by armed groups despite the presence of international forces in the Sahel?

The rise in attacks is due to factors like the vastness of the region, the sophistication of armed groups, local conflicts, and the difficulty of securing remote areas. Armed groups are taking advantage of local grievances and weak state control.

What role has the G5 Sahel force played in fighting armed groups?

The G5 Sahel force, established in 2017, is a joint military effort by five countries in the region (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger). However, it has struggled due to lack of resources, coordination challenges, and weak local armies.

What are the local conflicts that contribute to the violence in the Sahel?

Local conflicts, such as farmer-herder tensions and ethnic rivalries, have been exploited by armed groups to gain influence. In places like the Mopti region of Mali, these tensions have fueled violence and enabled groups like Al-Qaeda to expand.

How has the presence of foreign troops, like the French forces, impacted the security situation in the Sahel?

While foreign troops like the French have been involved in counterterrorism efforts, their presence has not fully stabilized the region. Local populations often feel disconnected from these forces, and armed groups have continued to gain ground.

What external factors have contributed to the ongoing violence in the Sahel?

The destabilization of Libya and the flow of weapons from that conflict have exacerbated the situation in the Sahel. Armed groups have access to more sophisticated weapons, increasing their operational capabilities.

What strategies have regional leaders proposed to tackle the growing threat of terrorism in the Sahel?

Regional leaders have called for improved cooperation between national forces, joint military operations, better information sharing, and stronger international support. They also recognize the need for long-term strategies beyond military solutions.

How do local populations view the military forces operating in the Sahel?

Many local populations are frustrated with the lack of effective security and feel abandoned. In some areas, the national armies are seen as biased or ineffective, which has allowed extremist groups to present themselves as protectors.

Why has it been difficult for international and regional forces to provide security at the local level?

The Sahel region is vast and difficult to secure, with remote areas that lack state presence. Armed groups exploit these gaps, and international forces often lack the local knowledge and legitimacy to provide long-term security.

What non-military solutions are being proposed to address the conflict in the Sahel?

Non-military solutions include local conflict resolution, addressing ethnic tensions, and improving governance. There is also a call for better service provision at the local level to build trust and reduce the influence of extremist groups.