INSANE: 15 | Vintage Vibes

Setting up the G5 Sahel: why an option that seemed unlikely came into being

At first glance, the creation in 2014 of the G5 Sahel, an international organisation set up to deal with conflict management in the Sahel, seemed unlikely. Some analysts were already describing a “security traffic jam” in the region. This was in reference to the fact that there were a range…

The Conversation · Apr 11, 2022

West Africa has worst food crisis in decade, aid groups say

A group of international aid organizations says West Africa is facing its worst food crisis in a decade due to increasing conflict, drought, flooding and the war in Ukraine that is affecting food prices and worsening an already disastrous situation

The Independent UK · Apr 5, 2022

'Complex' military shake up as French forces in Mali retreat to Niger

France is stepping up its military cooperation with Niger as it continues to fight Islamist insurgents in the Sahel following a breakdown in relations with Mali's military leaders. Colonel Hervé Pierre, the man in charge of coordinating France’s pivot from Mali to Niger, spoke to RFI about the “extremely complex”…

Radio France Internationale · Mar 28, 2022

How Burkina Faso became the epicentre of conflict in the Sahel

Casualties in the West African state are eclipsing those in its neighbour Mali, the birthplace of the conflict.

Al Jazeera · Mar 11, 2022

Ivory Coast hosts US-led military training amid Sahel uncertainty

Established in 2015, Flintlock programme counts over 400 service members from 10 African partners and allied partners.

Al Jazeera · Feb 21, 2022

Experts call for new EU approach to security in Africa

Security experts urge the EU to develop a more ‘people-centred’ approach towards security in Africa.

Al Jazeera · Feb 18, 2022

Mali's ruling junta asks France to withdraw troops 'without delay'

Mali's army-led government asked France on Friday to withdraw its troops from the Sahel state "without delay", calling into question Paris' plans to pull out over several months.

France 24 · Feb 18, 2022

Niger becomes France’s partner of last resort after Mali withdrawal

As France and its European allies prepare to leave Mali, Paris plans to increase its military cooperation with Niger in the fight against Islamist insurgents in the Sahel. But it’s a marriage of convenience as coups and rising anti-French sentiments in the region have left Paris with little choice.

France 24 · Feb 18, 2022

Analysis: Did the French mission in Mali fail?

Despite Macron’s refusal to admit failure, France’s military intervention in Mali has been controversial.

Al Jazeera · Feb 18, 2022

France announces Mali withdrawal after nine-year jihadist fight

We explain why France and its European allies have decided to withdraw troops from Mali after almost a decade. France sent soldiers to its former colony in 2013 to beat back advancing Islamist extremists, but its initial battlefield success was followed by a grinding insurgency and rising hostility from Malians.…

France 24 · Feb 17, 2022