Sahel: one continuation of the Russia-Ukraine war?

Paul AMARA, Consultant, Center for Strategies for Security in the Sahel-Sahara (Centre 4s.org)

Faced with Western ambitions to anchor Ukraine within its military organization, NATO, Russia launched its « operation » against the country on February 24, 2022. What was supposed to conclude in a few weeks has turned into a major conflict. While weapons crackle on the front lines, bombs explode, and no less deadly drones hover, Ukraine has begun fighting Russia all the way to the Sahel, supporting the jihadists with military advisors and weapons initially intended for the theater of combat on its soil. At the same time, it is attempting to counter Russian influence with a diplomatic offensive and offers of cooperation in Africa. Its unexpected intrusion into the Sahel complicates the fight against terrorism by the armies involved. One of the strongest indicators of the scale of the fighting is the number of casualties. Indeed, the Ukrainian army’s losses amount to approximately 600,000 dead, with nearly 500,000 wounded and 200,000 deserters. On the other hand, Russia has suffered 110,000 dead and 300,000 wounded. The latest news is not good for Ukraine and its allies. Towns are falling into Russian hands, one after the other. Lablonivka, in the Sumy region, located about 25 km from the regional capital of the same name, has been conquered. In the Donetsk region, where most of the fighting is taking place, the Russian army has taken control of the towns of Komar and Kopteve. It was there that Vladimir Putin announced his intention to establish a « buffer zone » to protect against Ukrainian incursions into Russian soil. Ukraine and the West are now convinced that Russia cannot triumph.

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United Nations at 80: « Better Together »

This Tuesday, September 23, the 80th session of the UN General Assembly will open in New York. Its theme— »Better Together: More than 80 Years of Serving Peace, Development, and Human Rights »—is eminently laudable. It offers an opening in an international context no longer characterized by a Cold War, but rather by real, deadly wars—Gaza, Ukraine—between Europe and Russia, and between Israelis and Palestinians. In this unprecedented context, that wish— »Better Together »—constitutes a hope for ending wars and reviving belief in peace.

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Sahel: the armed forces training?

Paul AMARA, Consultant, Center for Strategies for Sahel-Sahara Security, Centre4s.org

The complexity and the earnestness of the fight against terrorism in the Sahel have transformed this region into a vast market for military training. Often occurring in the wake of arms sales, these transfers respond to the objectives and rationales of Sahelian armies and supplier countries, whether African states or international partners. Proposals come primarily from Russia, the United States, China, European countries, Iran, Turkey, and Morocco. One of the main challenges is aligning these achievements with the overall defense strategy of the concerned countries. Assessing their impact on the effectiveness of Sahelian armies is a major challenge!

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Sahel : the continued state deconstruction

Introduction par Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, president centre4s

In the Sahel, violent terrorism—now structural—and various forms of trafficking, including that of migrants, are linked structural realities. The agonizing Trans borders cooperation is dwindling. Deadly and also costly to national public finances, they now are protracted and a hallmark of the region’s identity! Several causes explain or stand behind these developments. All are linked to the fragility and porosity of national borders and, above all, to the now tribalistic nature of Sahel governments. More than ever, tribes and clans are at the helm, to the detriment of national unity and security.

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Sahel: Increasing Number of Attacks

Paul AMARA, Center for Sahel-Sahara Security Strategies (Centre4s.org)

In May 2025, more than 400 soldiers were killed in similar attacks targeting Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The epicenter is the so called ‘’three borders area’’ a jihadists heaven for several years. Explanations abound: a sudden breakdown of the strategic partnership with western powers, a lack of coordination in the fight against terrorism, financial burden of this fight, operational difficulties and military exhaustion, more efficient terrorists’ organization, importance of multiple trafficking routes financing various groups, etc. To cope with, some countries may be forced to request assistance from regional or continental organizations.

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