The Strategic Culture of the European Union in the Sahel EU-initiatives in Niger
The Strategic Culture of the European Union in the Sahel EU-initiatives in Niger

Author(s): Hanga Horváth-Sántha
Subject(s): Supranational / Global Economy, International relations/trade
Published by: EUROPEUM - Institut pro evropskou politiku
Keywords: Sahel region; post-colonialism;
Summary/Abstract: The Sahel region continues to face several challenges, including poverty and lack of economic prospects, food insecurity, rapid demographic growth, inter-ethnic conflicts, jihadist terrorism and climate change. While it is important to note that these affect different parts of the region to different degrees, the challenges are interlinked and mutually reinforcing, further complicating the situation.1 For instance, the demographic growth and food insecurity are exacerbated by climate change, fuelling tensions between different communities, which militant Islamist insurgents are exploiting for the purpose of radicalisation and recruitment. During the past three years the fragile states of the region have seen a string of military coups: the military overthrow of Chad’s government in April 2021 and the coups in Mali (August 2020 and May 2021) and Burkina Faso (January and September 2022), as well as the military coups in Niger (July 2023) and Gabon (August 2023) all serve as a reminder that the Sahel region remains politically extremely unstable. Considering the factors mentioned above, the Sahel region has been a concern for Europe for more than a decade. Experience shows that instability in the Sahel can have spillover effects, potentially leading to increased terrorism, irregular migration, and the spread of illegal activities that all may impact European security. Identifying the challenges of the region through a comprehensive framework, which – a beside security-related issues – includes the ever so important questions of sustainable development, human rights, good governance, food security and green energy, the European Union has been active in the Sahel for over a decade.

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