Bamako, Mali – The prestigious Alioune Blondin Bèye Peacekeeping School (EMP-ABB) hosted an international seminar from October 22 to 24, 2024, on the challenges and prospects of cooperation for the benefit of the Sahel States. This large-scale international seminar brought together, in the heart of the Malian capital, decision-makers, diplomats, experts, international partners and researchers to discuss the pressing challenges, strategic issues and prospects of international cooperation for the benefit of the Sahel States. In a context marked by multifaceted crises, the seminar highlighted the strategies needed to strengthen stability, development and peace in the Sahel region.
The event, funded by the Federal Republic of Germany, brought together national and international experts for intensive discussions on the actions needed to strengthen stability and development in this strategic and vulnerable region.
Marking the importance of this meeting, several senior officials made the trip, including His Excellency the Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration, Government Spokesperson, as well as His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. His Excellency the German Ambassador to Mali also honored this event with his presence, testifying to his country's commitment to supporting the Sahel in the quest for peace and sustainable development.
A Difficult Context
For more than a decade, the Sahel has been facing major security challenges, recurring political instability and growing threats due to climate change. The presence of armed groups, intercommunity tensions and food crises have weakened all Sahelian countries, calling for concerted international action to restore peace and lay the foundations for sustainable development.
In this context, the seminar’s discussions were intense and comprehensive. They covered issues ranging from collective security to climate resilience to economic development opportunities. International cooperation was at the centre of the discussions, highlighting the need for coordinated approaches to address the root causes of regional instability.
The Challenges of International Cooperation in the Sahel
The challenges of international cooperation in the Sahel are multiple. The first difficulty lies in the geopolitical complexity of the region. With its vast territories and porous borders, the Sahel presents a difficult terrain for international interventions. The rise in tensions between the different local actors, exacerbated by economic precariousness, makes any multilateral cooperation strategy complex.
Participants also highlighted the challenges of coordinating efforts. Too often, international interventions lack cohesion, fragmenting the impact of development and peacekeeping initiatives. The need for inclusive and transparent governance was mentioned as a key condition for effective cooperation.
Strategic Issues: Security, Development and Climate Resilience
Security occupied a central place in the discussions. Faced with the increased violence of armed groups, cooperation in defense and intelligence is essential to guarantee the security of populations. Models of military collaboration were discussed.
In terms of development, the seminar recalled the urgency of boosting local economies to offer populations viable alternatives to forced migration or enlistment in armed groups. Job creation, economic diversification and improving infrastructure are key issues to ensure lasting stability in the region.
Climate change is also a crucial challenge for Sahelian states. Desertification and the scarcity of drinking water resources exacerbate conflicts and reduce livelihoods, requiring integrated and sustainable solutions. The role of international cooperation in financing environmental programmes was highlighted as a priority to strengthen the resilience of local populations.
Perspectives: Towards a Reinvented International Cooperation
At the end of this meeting, perspectives were identified for revitalizing international cooperation in the Sahel. Among these, the importance of an equal partnership between Sahelian states and international partners. The objective is to develop "local" cooperation, based on trust and taking into account local specificities.
The establishment of regional platforms for information exchange, capacity building and monitoring of international commitments was also recommended. Such structures could improve the coordination of initiatives and maximise their impact.
Finally, participants called for increased commitment to education and vocational training for young people because the future of the Sahel will depend on the ability of young generations to build a more stable and prosperous future. Also, international cooperation should play a decisive role in supporting educational programs adapted to the realities of the Sahel.
Conclusion
The international seminar on cooperation for the benefit of the Sahel States will have made it possible to lay the foundations for a constructive dialogue and to open up new perspectives for coordinated action. The participants leave with a clear, although ambitious, roadmap to strengthen partnerships and implement concrete initiatives to meet the challenges of the region. In an increasingly interdependent world, international solidarity and concerted strategies are essential to building a peaceful and resilient Sahel.
- 25 October
- 2024
