The African Union Peace and Security Council, chaired by Algeria, convened a meeting to address the multifaceted crises in the Sahel region, aiming to formulate practical recommendations for enhanced African action. The discussions encompassed political, security, humanitarian, human rights, economic, and social challenges impacting Sahel countries. Ambassador Mohamed Kharchi, Algeria's Permanent Representative to the African Union, stated the meeting was held "amidst escalating security and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel, which has become one of the most affected regions by terrorism and organized crime, in addition to severe humanitarian crises, food insecurity, and rising irregular migration." Ambassador Kharchi emphasized that "The security and stability of the Sahel region are closely linked to the security of the entire African continent." The council sought to contribute to security and sustainable development through its deliberations.
Sahel's Deepening Crises
The Sahel is characterized as one of the regions most affected globally by terrorism, organized crime, severe humanitarian crises, food insecurity, and rising irregular migration. During its discussions, the African Union Peace and Security Council reviewed various international, continental, and regional efforts aimed at combating terrorism and transnational organized crime in the area. A briefing presented to the Council showed these regional and international endeavors to strengthen security and state authority, while also acknowledging persistent economic challenges despite some resilience indicators in certain regional economies. The Council affirmed the Sahel region's strategic importance to the continent, emphasizing that achieving lasting peace necessitates enhanced regional cooperation, good governance, and a full approach integrating security, development, and governance initiatives.
AU's Diplomatic Engagement
A coordination session involving Sahel countries and neighboring nations preceded the main meeting. Ambassador Mohamed Kharchi reiterated that "The security and stability of the Sahel region are closely linked to the security of the entire African continent." The Council acknowledged a new dynamic and genuine desire from Sahel countries to strengthen ties with neighboring and regional states. Efforts by the African Union, including high-level political engagement, preventive diplomacy, and support for dialogue, were also noted in a briefing. African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat visited Mali and Burkina Faso in July as part of these engagements. The Council emphasized the necessity for ongoing constructive dialogue with authorities in Sahel countries to support full and credible national tracks.
Council's Calls for Action
The African Union Peace and Security Council called for strong measures to strengthen early warning capabilities and enhance conflict prevention mechanisms within the Sahel. It urged member states and partners to intensify efforts in combating violent extremism and to effectively dry up sources of terrorist financing across the region. Additionally, the Council appealed for intensified humanitarian assistance for displaced persons, refugees, and the countries hosting them, emphasizing the critical need to ensure safe and regular access for aid delivery. The Council also issued a call to African and international financial institutions, alongside development partners, to maintain and increase their support for economic recovery programs in the Sahel. This support is intended to build resilience, address the root causes of instability, including poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, and the impacts of climate change.