The Sahel

The Sahel is an African region stretching from Mauritania on the Atlantic coast to the Red Sea. Due to its arid climate, the region often suffers from droughts and is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to climate change. The Sahel is further plagued by political instability due to inter-communal conflicts and the presence of terrorist groups, but recent years have seen mass protests and regional interventions bring some positive developments to the region.

Content

AfricaSource

Feb 23, 2026

The Sahel’s most acute crisis is unfolding in Burkina Faso

By Jordanna Yochai

While Mali draws headlines, Burkina Faso has become the Sahel’s true epicenter of extremist violence. As insecurity spreads, President Ibrahim Traoré has tightened his grip on power—

English Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Dec 17, 2025

To curb violence in Nigeria, the US should offer Abuja carrots, not sticks

By Haleigh Bartos, John Chin, and Julien Derroitte

If the Trump administration wants to help Nigeria address violence and terrorism, it should offer the country incentives, not threaten punitive actions against it.

Conflict Extremism

Issue Brief

Nov 19, 2025

Why Ankara’s rising power in the Sahel could benefit the West

By Alp Ozen, Haley Nelson

Turkey offers a rare channel in the Sahel that the West could use to recalibrate its approach to the region.

Africa Energy & Environment

AfricaSource

Oct 31, 2025

Mali has not just plunged into crisis. It has been unraveling for years.

By Rama Yade and Hussein Ba

Mali’s crisis runs deeper than recent coups. Military fragmentation, jihadist expansion, and severed international ties have left the landlocked nation isolated, economically strained, and socially fractured.

Africa Crisis Management

AfricaSource

Oct 21, 2025

The Lake Chad Basin could power growth instead of conflict

By Jude Mutah

Despite vast oil, gas, and mineral wealth, the Lake Chad Basin remains trapped in insecurity. Transforming resources into peace requires transparent governance, community trust, and accountable partnerships that deliver real benefits for citizens across the basin.

Africa Crisis Management

AfricaSource

Jul 23, 2025

The Sahel is pivoting toward Turkey. Here’s what that means for Washington.

By Jordanna Yochai

Washington will need to consider partnering with Turkey when it advances US interests—but it must approach any cooperation with clear eyes.

Defense Technologies Sahel

New Atlanticist

Jul 11, 2025

Guinea-Bissau’s president on his meeting with Trump, relations with Russia and China, and whether he will accept US deportees

By Katherine Golden

Speaking at the Atlantic Council, Umaro Sissoco Embaló said that he appreciated how Trump “knows what he wants”—and has a “win-win partnership” in mind.

Africa Politics & Diplomacy

AfricaSource

Mar 17, 2025

To improve its Sahel policy, the US must update four assumptions

By Jordanna Yochai

By reevaluating long-held assumptions and adapting policy to the rapidly changing geopolitical environment, the United States can play a vital role in the Sahel region.

Africa Sahel

AfricaSource

Mar 13, 2025

What airstrikes in Somalia show about the war on terror

By Alexander Tripp

With terrorist groups increasingly prevalent throughout Africa, the United States is likely to devote more attention to counterterrorism efforts on the continent.

Africa Sahel

Economic Statecraft Initiative

Feb 14, 2025

Global Sanctions Dashboard cited by RUSI on Wagner’s business model in Syria and Africa

Read the full article here

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion General Africa
Load More

Experts

Fellow

Abdoul Salam Bello

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

Fellow

Rose Keravuori

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Defense Policy

Fellow

Bachir Ismael Ouedraogo

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Africa Energy & Environment

Fellow

Rama Yade

Senior Director, Africa Center

Africa Center Europe Center

Civil Society Human Rights