The jihadists are an uprising that originated from Tuareg separatists. It was in 2012 when Tuareg Separatists in Mali rebelled against the government. They later expanded their territory after recruiting many people. Now they are called jihadists.
Fight against Jihadists
Both France and West African states have been dealing with threats from Islamic militia for over eight years. This terror group has ambushed them several times, posing a great threat to the lives of citizens. However, the west African states and France teamed up to curb the insurgency. Since their union, they have noticed a positive change. Although they are facing challenges. it’s much easier to handle the rebels when they are united. That way, they focus their forces in hunting them down.
The summit occurred in Nouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania. Presidents from Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania Niger, and France met with representatives from the UN, AU, and EU. Leaders from Spain, Germany, and Italy also participated through a video link. This is the first conference where Sahel allies have teamed up amid coronavirus pandemic.
Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, attested to the spectacular achievement following their ally with the Sahel states. He is optimistic the Mauritanian summit will aid in the fight.
” We are convinced that victory is possible in the Sahel and that it is decisive for stability in Africa and Europe, ” he said.
“We are in the process of finding the right path thanks to the efforts they have made over the last six months.”
The loss of 13 French police officers
The allies have stationed their armies strategically for the hunt. The loss of 13 French police officers stimulated the states to unite. They died during a plane crash caused by the terrorists. France deployed an extra 500 soldiers to aid in the operation against terrorists in the Sahel. The allies have deployed most of their soldiers in the junction between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The border is prone to numerous terror attacks. According to security forces, the Jihadists have lost one of their influential leaders during the French raid.
Macron cautioned that since their troops had recovered part of the land the jihadists initially occupied; they intend to protect it.
“We now have to consolidate this dynamic and strengthen it. The ground that we have recovered will not be given back,” he warned.
However, the President of Mauritania, Mohammed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani said that the progress was insufficient compared to the challenges they faced. He stated that the terror attacks were still expanding to different parts of Sahel and, that was terrifying.
Effects of the Jihadist attacks
Residents in the Sahel are living in fear as they are uncertain of when to expect the next attack. On many occasions, when attacked, they have lost most of their loved ones. Some of them have even fled their homes as they search for safe places to reside.
The economies of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have deteriorated because they are hotspots to the numerous attacks. The countries in the Sahel are grievously damaged.
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