Pathways to partnership, prosperity, and security in the Sahel

  • Tue, September 15, 2026 • 9:30 am ET
  • Atlantic Council Headquarters
  • 1400 L Street NW • Floor 11
  • Washington, DC 20005

The Africa Center, in partnership with the Policy Center for the New South, hosts a conversation on the current situation in the Sahel and opportunities for US reengagement.

On Tuesday, September 15 at 9:30 a.m. ET, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center, in partnership with the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), will host a conversation on the current situation in the Sahel and various pathways and opportunities for reengagement focused on security, prosperity, and partnership.

In a region where diplomatic and security options seem limited and conversations challenged by the nature of the military ruling regimes, the United States is seeking “pragmatic cooperation” with Sahelian states and has reportedly been considering military support. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia recently visited Mali for his first trip to the continent, signaling renewed interest in engagement with the Sahel.

This event builds on dual reports released by PCNS and the Africa Center in 2023. A new report by Abdelhak Bassou, Rida Lyammouri, and Sarah Daly outlining how to strengthen the Sahel in the fight against insecurity is due to be released this year.

New policy: In-person attendees will be required to show photo ID upon arrival, and no on-site registration will be permitted. Guests will not be admitted later than twenty minutes after the event’s start time.

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Speakers

Tressa Guenov
Senior Director, Programs and Operations, and Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security,
Atlantic Council

Liam Karr
Africa Team Lead, Critical Threats Project,
American Enterprise Institute

Abdoulkarim Kotondi Amadou
Advisor to the Executive Director, Africa Group II,
World Bank Group

Moderated by

Rida Lyammouri
Senior Fellow,
Policy Center for the New South

More speakers to be announced.

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The Africa Center works to promote dynamic geopolitical partnerships with African states and to redirect US and European policy priorities toward strengthening security and bolstering economic growth and prosperity on the continent.

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