It all dates back to the year 2012 in Mali where Islamist insurgents in the Sahel first emerged. They forcefully interfered in a rebellion against the Toureg separatists. Ever since, a war has since existed between the jihadists and the people in Sahel region. To this date, peace treaties are being forged to address the issue that is costing the lives of many innocent civilians in the region. As a matter of fact, France and the Sahel members are looking forward to meeting next week to raise concerns on the abhorring deaths in the region.
In January, a political reboot was established in the hopes of putting an end to the wars caused by the jihadists. Following these events, leaders of the Sahel community which comprises of Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad, Mauritania and Niger are set to meet coming Tuesday. President Francois Macron is expected to be fully present. The main agendas to be addressed will be the uprising of the jihadists and the bloodshed inflicted on the people of the Sahel region.
France contribution
France has been of great help to the Sahel region. Their military has managed to kill the head of the leader of the fierce group of al-Qaeda; Abdelmalek Droukdel. All these took place in the Islamic Maghreb, in northern Mali in June.
However, other nationalities seem to not be in agreement about the claimed advancements by France. In fact, the United States, during a UN Security Council meeting voiced out on the issue of insecurity to be on the rise in the region. But the UN secretary general; Antonio Guterres seems to differ with this allegations claiming that there exist important progresses.
Situation in Mali
More attention is given to the fight against the jihadist. And giving a cold shoulder to the insights happening in Mali. This is as a result of the jihadists murders that are happening in the country. A Bamako based researcher; Ibrahim Maiga puts more emphasis on the inter-ethnic conflicts taking place in the region. Additionally, jihadists linked to the al-Qaeda and the Islamic state group are fighting each other out in central Mali.
Political instability is also at its peak. The president; Ibrahim Boubacar is facing opposition from his people. He is being accused of mismanagement of the country’s affairs in light of the many bloodsheds that have occurred during his era. A new opposition has since been birthed. This raises a great concern on Mali’s international associates.
Conclusion
Aside from Mali, other members of the Sahel region have also displayed their shortcomings. Chad have yet to deploy their troops to their border to Burkina Faso and Niger. A promise made in the Pau Summit that is yet to be fulfilled. Moreover, local armies and security enforcers in the region have been accused of being at the forefront of taking people’s lives. There is also a rising fear that if no action is taken, west Africa might be caught up with all this chaos.
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