Tag "Sahel region"
Africa’s Crime-Terror Nexus: Transnational Organised Crime, Illicit Economic Networks and Violent Extremism in the Sahel
Africa’s Sahel region lies at the epicentre of a sprawling jihadist insurgency straddling the ‘ungoverned spaces’ south of the Sahara. As U.S, French and African forces struggle to contain the violence spreading like wildfire across the Sahelian scrublands, one key dimension of instability which remains overlooked is the role of transnational organised crime and illicit economic networks in fuelling violent extremism across the region.
Chad – Death of Chad’s President Leaves Vacuum in the Heart of the Sahel
On 20th April Chad’s President, Idriss Déby Itno, was killed inspecting troops fighting a rebel insurgency in the North of the country. A close ally of Western powers, his death has left a vacuum at the center of power in Chad, potentially threatening security in the wider Sahel region. In the wake of a swift military transition, Chad now stands at a crossroads as protesters call for democratic elections and international allies appear to flounder in their policy towards the country.
What do Divergent Security Interests between the Malian and French Governments mean for the Future of French Operations in the Sahel
Growing divides in security approaches between the Malian and French governments are making security objectives harder to achieve in the Sahel. Recent developments are likely to complicate the issues further, as the new prime minister Moctar Ouane calls for more negotiations with armed groups in the north.
Counter-terrorism in the Sahel: Can Task Force Takuba be a Game Changer for France
In 2021, Task Force Takuba, bringing together the special forces of 7 European countries to fight terrorism in the Sahel, will become fully operational with an initial mandate of 3 years. France, stuck in what looks like an unwinnable war despite the mobilisation of 5,100 troops as part of Operation Barkhane since 2014, has been advocating for a “Europeanisation” of the military intervention in the region for quite some time. While Takuba will enable more tactical wins against terrorist groups and enable France to break with its diplomatic and military isolation, it is unlikely to change the direction of the conflict. In this context, what is the future of operation Barkhane?
African Continent: Challenges of Climate and Demographic Changes
Impacts of climate change and growing population, as well as the threats to human development – such as poverty, crime and health – could lead to insecurity and instability in African countries.
The Sahel Uncertainty: Climate change and Insurgency
The Sahel is increasingly affected by underdevelopment, endemic poverty, criminality, and insurgency. Climate change has recently extrapolated these problems by making essential resources scarce.
Is Libya becoming the next Syria?
Recent US airstrikes in Libya and Tunisia underline a growing concern that ISIS is deepening its reach across northern Africa. Increasingly, Libya is becoming the main target of the group,
Financial self-sufficiency fuels terrorist climate
The beginning of 2015 has been marked by further Islamic extremist activities with horrific attacks in Paris, Maiduguri, and Istanbul, to name a few. Aside from the mutual goal of
