Topic: Political Instability and Terrorism in the Sahel region.

Chair: Jayda Sameh

Co-Chair: Hassan El Daly

Introduction:

The Sahel region, a vast and ecologically fragile belt of land stretching across West
and North Africa, has become a focal point of political instability and terrorism,
posing complex challenges for regional and international security. This expansive
region encompasses countries such as Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania,
and parts of Sudan, Senegal, and Nigeria. The convergence of multiple
interconnected factors has contributed to the persistent challenges in the Sahel.

The Sahel is marked by extreme poverty, limited access to basic services, and a
dearth of economic opportunities. A large portion of the population in this region
struggles to meet its basic needs. The dire socioeconomic conditions create fertile
ground for extremist groups to recruit disaffected youth who see little hope for a
better future. Joblessness, underemployment, and a lack of educational
opportunities further compound the situation.

The Sahel is characterized by its diverse population, comprising various ethnic and
religious groups. While this diversity can be a source of cultural richness, it has also
led to intercommunal tensions and conflicts, often exacerbated by political and socio
economic grievances. These tensions are frequently exploited by extremist groups to
further their divisive agendas, driving a wedge between communities and
undermining social cohesion.

Many Sahel countries grapple with governance challenges, including corruption, poor
service delivery, and a lack of state presence in remote and marginalized areas.
Weak institutions and ineffective governance structures impede governments'
capacity to address security and development challenges. Moreover, the lack of
social services and infrastructure in these areas creates a sense of state neglect,
further eroding trust in authorities.

Porous borders in the Sahel region enable the easy movement of militants and arms
across international boundaries. This phenomenon blurs the lines between countries
and complicates efforts to control and secure territories. Militant groups can exploit
these porous borders to evade security forces and launch cross-border attacks.

The legacy of past conflicts, colonialism, and ethnic rivalries has left deep-seated
disputes and grievances among different groups. These historical tensions can
resurface and contribute to ongoing instability, often serving as fuel for
intercommunal conflicts.

The Sahel has borne the brunt of climate change, with rising temperatures and
shifting weather patterns leading to increased food and water scarcity. As arable
land diminishes, competition for limited resources intensifies. Climate-induced
environmental degradation can create tensions and conflicts over water, arable land,
and pastoral routes, further exacerbating the region's instability.

Various terrorist organizations have exploited the vulnerabilities of the Sahel to

establish a presence and carry out attacks. These groups include al-Qaeda in the
Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Boko Haram, and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara
(ISGS). Their aims encompass imposing extremist ideologies, challenging the
authority of local governments, and creating a regional foothold within the Sahel.
They often use their operational flexibility and local alliances to wage a campaign of
terror and subversion. Efforts to address the challenges in the Sahel have included
regional and international cooperation.

The G5 Sahel, a regional organization comprising Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali,

Mauritania, and Niger, was established to enhance collaboration in addressing
security threats. The United Nations, the African Union, and other international actors
have deployed peacekeeping missions and offered development assistance to help
stabilize the region. Despite these efforts, the situation in the Sahel remains complex
and volatile, with periodic outbreaks of violence and terrorism. Achieving lasting
peace and stability in the Sahel is an ongoing and formidable struggle, making it a
persistent concern for regional and global security. Scholars, policymakers, and
international organizations have produced numerous reports, academic studies, and
analyses that delve into the complexities of the Sahel region, providing valuable
insights into the specific dynamics, events, and trends unfolding in this critical part
of the world.

Parties Strongly involved with the topic:

G5 Sahel: The G5 Sahel, comprising Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger,
is a regional organization established to enhance cooperation in addressing security
threats in the Sahel. The G5 Sahel Joint Force is a military component created to
combat terrorism and cross-border criminal activities.

France: France has played a significant role in addressing political instability and
terrorism in the Sahel region, primarily through its military presence and various
diplomatic initiatives. France initiated Operation Serval in 2013, later transitioning to
Operation Barkhane in 2014. These operations involve the deployment of French
troops to combat extremist groups and stabilize the region. France has maintained a
significant military presence, working in collaboration with regional forces, including
the G5 Sahel countries. France's involvement in the Sahel aims to counter terrorist
threats, provide security assistance, and support local governments in their efforts to
restore stability. However, this military presence has also faced challenges and
criticism, including concerns about its long-term effectiveness and the potential for it
to exacerbate local tensions. Additionally, France has been actively engaged in
diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of instability in the Sahel. This includes
supporting peace agreements, development programs, and political dialogue. France
has also sought international cooperation, including through the United Nations and
the European Union, to mobilize support for the Sahel region.

United States: The United States has increased its engagement in the Sahel in recent
years. It provides security assistance, training, and intelligence support to regional
militaries and has allocated development aid to address the root causes of
instability. The U.S. has also supported the G5 Sahel Joint Force and various United
Nations peacekeeping missions in the region.

Germany: Germany is one of the European countries that have been actively involved
in the Sahel. It contributes troops to the MINUSMA mission and provides
development assistance. Germany has increased its engagement to address the root
causes of instability in the region.

Nigeria: As one of the countries in the West African region, Nigeria is concerned
about the spread of extremism and terrorism from the Sahel. Nigeria has cooperated
with neighboring countries and international partners to address security threats and
counter-terrorism.

Algeria: Algeria has been involved in diplomatic efforts to address the Sahel crisis
and has sought to mediate in conflicts in the region. Algeria's role as a regional actor
is essential in addressing the political and security challenges

Senegal: is another West African country concerned about regional security and
plays a role in regional initiatives to address Sahel instability.

African Union: The African Union plays a role in supporting regional peace and
security efforts, including the G5 Sahel Joint Force. The African Union has also
provided diplomatic and mediation support to resolve conflicts in the Sahel.
Mali: Mali has faced significant political instability and terrorism in recent years,
which has been a major concern both for the country itself and for the broader Sahel
region. Several key factors have contributed to Mali's challenges. Political instability
in the form of coups and disruptions to democratic processes has plagued Mali. In
2012, a coup led to the overthrow of the government, creating a power vacuum that
allowed various armed groups, including Islamist extremist organizations such as
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Ansar Dine, to gain control of parts of
northern Mali. These extremist groups aimed to impose their ideologies and
challenge the authority of the Malian government. The country's ethnic and
communal diversity has also contributed to tensions, leading to intercommunal
conflicts that extremist groups have exploited to further destabilize the region.

African Development Fund (ADF): A subsidiary of the African Development Bank, the
ADF provides grants and concessional loans to Sahel countries for development
projects that can help alleviate poverty and promote stability.

Organizations involved:

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM): AQIM is an affiliate of Al-Qaeda and

operates primarily in Algeria, Mali, Niger, and Mauritania. They have been involved in
kidnappings, bombings, and attacks on military and civilian targets.

Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS): ISGS is an affiliate of the Islamic State
(ISIS) and operates in the border regions of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. They have
carried out attacks on security forces, civilians, and international organizations.

Boko Haram: Although primarily active in Nigeria, Boko Haram has expanded its
activities to neighboring countries such as Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. They have
been responsible for numerous attacks, including suicide bombings, kidnappings,
and mass killings.

Ansar Dine: Ansar Dine is an Islamist extremist group operating in Mali and has been
involved in the destabilization of the region. They have collaborated with other
militant groups and have targeted security forces and civilians.

Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM): JNIM is a coalition of several militant
groups operating in Mali, including AQIM, Ansar Dine, and Al-Mourabitoun. They have
conducted attacks on military and civilian targets, including peacekeeping forces.

Keywords and Definitions:

Insurgency: An active revolt or uprising.

 Rebellion: An act of armed resistance to an established government or leader.

Terrorisim: The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against

civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.

Dictatorship: A dictatorship is a form of government where a single individual or a

small group holds absolute and unchecked authority.

Political Instability: A condition characterized by uncertain or volatile political

circumstances, such as conflicts, governance issues, or changes in government.

Peace Agreements: Negotiations and agreements aimed at resolving conflicts and

addressing the root causes of instability in the Sahel.

Islamist Extremism: The presence and activities of extremist groups like Al-Qaeda in
the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in the Sahel, advocating for strict interpretations of
Islam has been a major source of instability and conflict in the region.

Ethnic and Communal Conflicts: Tensions and violence related to ethnic and
communal divisions, exacerbating political instability in the Sahel.

Timeline:

1962-1964
The First Tuareg Rebellion, which occurred in the 1960s, was an uprising by Tuareg
ethnic groups in the Sahel and Sahara regions of North Africa. The rebellion was
driven by the Tuaregs' demands for greater political representation and economic
rights in the newly independent countries of the Sahel.

1980s
In the 1980s Al Qaeda emerged from the anti-Soviet jihad in Afghanistan. As the
Soviets prepared to withdraw, Osama Bin Laden and a few of his close associates
decided to capitalize on the network they had built to take jihad global.

1982
The Algerian Civil War had a spill-over effect in the Sahel region, particularly in Mali
and Niger. Algerian extremist groups like the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) sought
refuge and support in neighboring countries, contributing to regional instability.

1990-1995 In 1990, some veterans of the Islamic Legion began an insurgency in northern Mali
which enjoyed a broad base of support among both the Arab and Tuareg
 communities of the area. Four major armed groups and an array of smaller ones
gathered under the banner of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Azawad
and joined the rebellion. The government responded to the rebellion by declaring a
state of emergency and launching security operations, this time to no avail. [5]

2010 The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), a Tuareg rebel group,
launches a rebellion in northern Mali, leading to the eventual loss of control by the
Malian government.

2012 A military coup in Mali leads to political chaos, and Islamist extremist groups,
including Ansar Dine and MUJAO, seize control of northern Mali, imposing a strict
form of Islamic law.

2013 France launches Operation Serval to counter the Islamist insurgency in Mali and
recapture territory from extremist groups.

2014 The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali

(MINUSMA) is established to help stabilize the country.

2017- Formation of the G5 Sahel:Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger establish
present the G5 Sahel Joint Force to address security challenges in the region.

2020s
-present The conflict in the Sahel region persists, with various local and international efforts
to combat terrorism and restore stability.

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