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

New Atlanticist

Aug 27, 2021

A cable from Mali: How to bring Bamako back from the brink

By Olivier-Rémy Bel, Petr Tůma

Against the backdrop of two coups, interethnic and terrorist violence moving south toward Bamako, and France shifting its posture in the Sahel, this could be the last chance to stabilize Mali.

Africa Conflict

Event Recap

Jun 29, 2021

Prof. Séverine Autesserre says that it’s time for the peacekeeping community to ‘walk the walk’ when it comes to localized peacebuilding

By Africa Center

On Tuesday, June 29, the Africa Center convened a private event with award-winning author Professor Séverine Autesserre for a discussion on localized peacebuilding and her new book, The Frontlines of Peace.

Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo

Event Recap

May 25, 2021

Mali coup: White House official calls for ‘unconditional and immediate’ release of president and prime minister

By Africa Center

Speaking at the Atlantic Council's Africa Day celebration, White House official Dana Banks responded to topical issues in African affairs, including the coup in Mali, calling for "the unconditional and immediate release of the president and the prime minister."

Africa Democratic Transitions

Event Recap

Apr 29, 2021

Charting a course in Chad: Implications and analysis

By Africa Center

On Thursday, April 29, the Africa Center hosted a private roundtable on the evolving situation in Chad, featuring US, French, and Chadian perspectives.

Africa Conflict

AfricaSource

Apr 27, 2021

Washington’s role and responsibility in Chad

By Cameron Hudson

In the midst of the fast-moving changes in Chad, there is an opportunity to begin to address the country's democracy and development deficits. As Washington contemplates its next steps, emphasis should be placed on listening to Chadians, engaging the African Union, pursuing on-the-ground diplomatic engagement, and acting quickly, yet strategically.

Africa Civil Society

AfricaSource

Apr 19, 2021

Will events in Chad force a reset of Sahel strategy?

By Cameron Hudson

In the last week, several columns of rebel fighters have entered Chad from neighboring Libya with the intention of unseating long-time strongman and friend of the West Idriss Déby Itno, Chad’s ruler for the past thirty years. How France and the United States respond may cause repercussions for years to come.

Africa Conflict

Event Recap

Dec 16, 2020

Fighting for influence in Africa: Report launch events held with the Policy Center for the New South

By Africa Center

On Monday, December 14, and Wednesday, December 16, the Africa Center and the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) hosted joint public events to launch twin reports on the evolving roles of the traditional and emerging external powers in Africa, with the events focusing regionally on the Red Sea and the Sahel.

Africa Conflict

In the News

Apr 24, 2020

Bello in Deutsche Welle: Pour une meilleure santé africaine

By Atlantic Council

Africa Coronavirus

In the News

Apr 3, 2020

Englebert quoted in Voice of America on the effects of COVID-19 on conflict-ridden regions

By Atlantic Council

Africa Conflict

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mar 10, 2020

Bello in WATHI: Femmes du Sahel, femmes d’Afrique, femmes Atlas

Africa Economy & Business

Experts