The end of the G5 Sahel: a death certificate that highlights the region’s security challenges
In a decision that marks a major turning point in the fight against insecurity in the Sahel, Mauritania and Chad have officially announced the dissolution of the G5 Sahel. This gesture follows the successive departures of Niger and Burkina Faso from this military coalition, and the prior departure of Mali in May 2022. This series of departures greatly weakens the structure and raises numerous questions about the future of security in the region.
Created in 2014, the G5 Sahel aimed to coordinate the efforts of five countries in the region – Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad – in the fight against terrorism and insecurity. Despite limited achievements on the ground, such as the creation of a joint military force and institutions dedicated to training and defense, the G5 Sahel has experienced significant funding and coordination problems.
However, it is important to note that the successive departures from the G5 Sahel are not solely motivated by internal problems. The countries which chose to leave the coalition, namely Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, expressed their dissatisfaction with the alleged instrumentalization of the G5 Sahel by foreign interests, notably France. These accusations reflect growing tensions between countries in the region and the French military presence, which is seen by some as interference in internal affairs.
Faced with this situation, the resigning countries decided to form their own regional alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States, with the aim of strengthening their cooperation in security, politics and economics. This initiative aims to assert their independence and promote a more regional approach in solving common problems.
However, the dissolution of the G5 Sahel also raises concerns about the future of security in the region. Persistent challenges such as terrorist attacks, intercommunal conflicts and drug flows must be addressed in a collective and coordinated manner. It is therefore essential that countries in the region maintain strong cooperation and find lasting solutions to ensure long-term security and stability.
In conclusion, the end of the G5 Sahel marks a turning point in the fight against insecurity in the Sahel. While this decision reflects legitimate concerns about the independence and sovereignty of countries in the region, it also highlights the need for stronger regional cooperation to address common security challenges. The future of security in the Sahel will depend on the ability of countries in the region to work together and find lasting solutions to protect their populations and ensure their prosperity.