THE WORLD AT THE TIME OF AFRICAN ECONOMIC SOVEREIGNTY
Sahel: terrorism but also demography.
A rapid population growth, a very young age profile, a very high fertility rate and a strong and uncontrolled urbanization, these are some of the Sahel specificities identified by the much respected Atlantic Council (United States). For this well-documented work, it has benefited from the professionalism of two consultants, including Stephen Smith, recognized for his expertise and writings on the region. Added and to be associated to these realities is the ever-increasing terrorist groups violence. In the Sahel they have find the most favorable geographical and political spaces.
Sahel: Ukraine and Wagner have eclipsed security concerns.
Beyond domestic problems, largely at the roots of their internal insecurity – political, economic and social including, again and again, slavery – the G 5 Sahel countries face enormous internal challenges presented in the attached paper . And there are many more.
Major challenges that fragilize the foundation of post-Cold War international relations. The crisis or rather the war in Ukraine, challenges us to think of our populations and our countries future. Not for post-Cold War ideological speculations but to put in place policies for the protection and the survival of populations and of even the countries themselves.
Instead of remaining passive spectators in front of televisions, we should do better in establishing technical teams to follow the multiple consequences in particular commercial of an international war which is lasting.
Ahmedou Ould Abdallah
President Centre4s.org
Sahel – Ukraine and regional security.
The war in Europe, specifically the attack on Ukraine, has eclipsed international security priorities including “the worldwide fight against terrorism”. Another important point is that it has shed new light on the reality of diplomatic relations between African states and their Western partners. And that was only a few days after their agreement at the African Union – European Union Summit in Brussels!
Sahel and Ukrainia, challenges of a region in transition.
The war raging in Ukrainia since February 24 is tragic in terms of its ensuing human losses and the massive material destruction that have already been done. It is particularly central due to the issues opposing the many states involved. World economic and military powers clashing in a Europe that, since 1940, has not known an armed conflict of this dimension! The last one, horrendous, that of the former Yugoslavia (today recomposed of several sovereign states), did not include either the same strategic stakes or the same global scope as the one currently taking place. It is certainly far from over yet and the assessment of its various human and economic costs, as well as its diplomatic and military impacts, will still take time.
What about its current and future consequences for the Sahel Sahara? How – to avoid more wars or to end them- to manage the enormous challenges of a region in transition when, at the same time, wars of more global scope break out elsewhere? Who could then give advice and lessons in favor of peace and stability in the Sahel?