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Image: Rebecca Blackwell/AP/picture allianceImage: Rebecca Blackwell/AP/picture alliance

Sahel region

The Sahel is a region between the Sahara and the Sudanian savanna in Africa. The area faces environmental issues from climate change and is where many terrorist groups in Northern Africa operate.

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All Content on this topic

A Nigerien soldier drinks water from a water pipe in Niamey, Niger

Sahel: Navigating Germany's development cooperation

Grassroots groups and German partners are seeking renewed cooperation amid the military juntas in Africa's Sahel region.
PoliticsJune 27, 2024
A refugee woman holding a little girl

Burkina Faso world's worst forgotten crisis: report

The Norwegian Refugee Council says a chronic lack of funding has led to the neglect of millions of people.
ConflictsJune 3, 2024
Burkina Faso coup leader Capt. Ibrahim Traore

Burkina Faso's junta extends rule for another five years

The army has ruled Burkina Faso since 2022, a country ravaged by growing attacks by Islamist militants.
PoliticsMay 26, 2024
A group of women with an infant are holding a bowl of plant leaves in Niger.

Growing hope with native plants

In Niger, the revival of traditional plants is empowering women, advancing food security and protecting the environment.
Nature and EnvironmentMay 23, 202406:26 min
Tschad Wahlen | N'Djamena

Why Chad's election is so critical to Sahel stability

Chad tries to transition back to civilian rule as West frets over the trajectory of their last ally in the Sahel.
PoliticsMay 7, 202430:00 min
Südafrika ehemaliger Präsident Jacob Zuma

AfricaLink on Air — 22 April 2024

West Africa counterterrorism summit +++ South Africa’s ANC loses a trademark battle with Zuma's party
PoliticsApril 22, 202430:00 min
People in Niamey in protest against US military presence on April 13

Niger protesters demand US troop withdrawal

Hundreds chanted for the withdrawal of US forces that have been involved in efforts to quash an Islamist insurgency.
PoliticsApril 13, 2024
Junta supporters holding the flags of Niger and Russia in Niamey, August 2023.

Russia sends military trainers, troops to Niger

Russia has been trying to build stronger ties with several African nations currently ruled by military juntas.
PoliticsApril 12, 2024
People wear T-shirts showing presidential candidate Khalifa Sall as they hang out of a car and blow vuvuzelas in the colors of the Senegalese flag

Senegal's election campaign ramps up after poll delay

Senegalese voters head to the polls on Sunday, March 24. Here's who's running, what's at stake, and why it matters.
PoliticsMarch 20, 2024
Symbolbild Niger Soldat

Niger: US military operations across the Sahel are at risk

Niger's military junta canceled its years-long cooperation with the US, whose biggest African military base is in Niger.
ConflictsMarch 18, 202401:38 min
Nigerien soldiers in Niamey

Niger severs ties with US Army over 'condescending attitude'

Niger's ruling junta has cut ties with Western powers and moved closer towards Russia.
PoliticsMarch 17, 2024
Soldiers pictured at Niger's National Guard's training center in Niamey in May 2023

West African juntas set up joint anti-terrorism force

Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali are planning on a joint force to "overcome the security challenges" facing the countries.
ConflictsMarch 7, 2024
Russland Ibrahim Traore

AfricaLink on Air - 04 March 2024

German minister warns of Russian influence+++Security situation in the Sahel+++Rwanda probes sexual abuse allegations
PoliticsMarch 4, 202429:54 min
Burkina Faso soldiers

Burkina Faso: 170 people 'executed' in attacks on villages

A number of other deadly attacks took place around the country on the same day.
ConflictsMarch 3, 2024
Svenja Schulze speaks with two African women

Germany aims to confront extremism in Sahel region

In Burkina Faso, Development Minister Schulze wants to show a willingness to speak with the ruling military junta.
PoliticsMarch 3, 2024
Logo Afrikanische Union

AU Summit: Can leaders tackle the continent's challenges?

The AU has had a rough start to 2024 amid worsening regional violence and democratic backsliding among members.
PoliticsFebruary 16, 202430:00 min
Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo looks on during the 64th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

ECOWAS 'weaker' as Sahel trio quit the bloc

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have cut ties with ECOWAS, a key body in a region hit by coups and security crises.
PoliticsJanuary 30, 2024
Abdoulaye Maiga speaking in Mali's state television in July 2023

Mali ends peace deal with separatist groups

The 2015 Algiers Accord brought stability to the north of the country as jihadist violence was on the rise.
ConflictsJanuary 25, 2024
Three Nigerian children with their herd of goats

Keeping the peace as climate change fuels conflict

In Nigeria's Adamawa state, young women are stepping up to bring peace to their communities. DW's Sira Thierij reports.
Nature and EnvironmentJanuary 25, 202403:28 min
Boris Pistorius, Svenja Schulze, Bundeswehr soldiers and a Bundeswehr plane in Gao

Should Germany expand strategic partnerships in the Sahel?

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso are all governed by military regimes. How can Germany continue its involvement there?
ConflictsJanuary 25, 2024
A voter in Cairo casts her ballot in the Egyptian election

Africa 2024 elections: Stability at stake?

Several elections are due in Africa in 2024. Among others, democracy will be put to the test in South Africa.
PoliticsJanuary 3, 2024
Chad's junta leader Mahamat Idriss Deby, dressed in a military uniform, looks on while seated during a ceremony

Chad holds divisive post-coup constitutional referendum

Chadians have voted on a new constitution, in a referendum widely seen as a move to consolidate power by Mahamat Deby.
PoliticsDecember 17, 2023
external

What does the departure of German troops mean for Mali?

The last German MINUSMA peacekeeping troops have left Mali. Mali’s military government had demanded an end to the UN mission, which had provided some 15,000 soldiers over the last decade. A top security analyst shares insider knowledge on what the departure means for Mali and the Sahel region, where jihadist insurgents have been causing havoc – and what role Wagner mercenaries play.
December 15, 202304:43 min
The Meharistes patrol remote Saharan communities on camelback to curtail jihadi insurgents.

Mauritania: Camel corps patrols Sahel desert

The Meharistes patrol remote Saharan communities on camelback to curtail jihadi insurgents.
ConflictsDecember 14, 202302:03 min
external

Displacement in Niger: Uniting communities on the radio

In rural Niger, a new innovative radio format is leading to communal solutions for challenges caused by migration.
MediaDecember 13, 202302:36 min
Soldiers walk beside tanks bearing the German flag.

Explainer: What the German troop withdrawal from Mali means

Germany has ended its participation in the UN mission in Mali in a pullout ordered by Mali's military leaders.
PoliticsDecember 12, 202301:57 min
Mali | G5 Sahel Militärallianz

G5 Sahel organization to fight terrorism disintegrates

Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have abandoned the organization set up to fight terrorism in the Sahel region
TerrorismDecember 8, 202330:00 min
A Malian soldier

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger alliance faces uphill task

Junta-led Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger want to form a new alliance but experts urge them to mend ties with ECOWAS.
TerrorismDecember 5, 2023
French trained troops on the back of a truck on Burkina Faso during operation Barkhane

Burkina Faso, Niger pull out of regional G5 Sahel force

Military juntas in the two countries decided to ditch the France-supported alliance fighting the insurgency in Sahel.
ConflictsDecember 2, 2023
MINUSMA peacekeepers patrolling in Gao

Dozens of UN peacekeepers injured during Mali withdrawal

The Malian junta ordered the United Nations peacekeeping mission MINUSMA to leave the country earlier this year.
ConflictsNovember 7, 2023
Ghana Bundeskanzler Scholz und Präsident Nana Akufo-Addo

Germany and insecurity in Africa

Germany and insecurity in Africa
PoliticsNovember 3, 202329:18 min
A man in a crowd holding a placard with the image of General Tchiani

EU and US divided over Niger coup

The EU has considered sanctions on Niger, but the US wants to keep the communication lines open with the military junta.
PoliticsOctober 26, 2023
AJunta leaders Assimi Goita (Mali), Abdourahamane Tiani (Niger), and Ibrahim Traoré (Burkina Faso)

Sahel: Military regimes under pressure to succeed

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger signed a mutual defense pact last month, but the security situation remains fragile.
PoliticsOctober 15, 2023
A uranium mine

Are Niger's uranium supplies to France under scrutiny?

Will the lights go out in Europe if Niger stops French uranium mining operations?
TradeSeptember 28, 2023
Abdoulaye Maiga speaking on state television

Mali junta delays elections again, with no date in sight

Since taking power in 2020, the junta has promised to hold elections, but has repeatedly issued delays.
PoliticsSeptember 25, 2023
Malian Foreign Minister Abdouaye Diop speaking at the UN General Assembly

Mali won't 'stand idly by' if ECOWAS intervenes in Niger

The juntas in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso signed a mutual defense pact last week.
ConflictsSeptember 24, 2023
Niger Interview Louise Aubin UN

Niger: Sanctions, insecurity hamper aid efforts — UN

The political crisis in Niger has disrupted aid efforts, the UN's humanitarian chief in the West African nation says.
PoliticsSeptember 20, 202301:30 min
Soldiers of the Forces Armees Maliennes of the G5 Sahel sitting in a pick-up truck

Africa's Sahel region: Has the G5 Sahel run its course?

The G5 Sahel has been mobilizing to fight extremists in the Sahel region — but it now faces a threat from a new group.
ConflictsSeptember 19, 2023
The Greater Nile Petroleum Oil Company, one of Khartoum's most iconic buildings, engulfed in flames Sunday, as fighting between the army and the RSF enters sixth month

Sudan crisis: Fighting escalates in Khartoum in 6th month

The army headquarters in Khartoum was attacked, and an iconic skyscraper in the city went up in flames on Sunday.
ConflictsSeptember 17, 2023
external

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger sign defense pact

The military rulers of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have committed to helping each other in the event of an attack.
PoliticsSeptember 17, 202302:12 min
Simbabwe Inauguration Präsident Emmerson Mnangagwa

AfricaLink on Air — 12 September 2023

President Mnangagwa's new cabinet criticized for not being gender-balanced+++Representation of women in parliament
PoliticsSeptember 12, 202330:00 min
Mali's military ruler, Assimi Goita, center, attends an independence day military parade in Bamako, Mali

Sahel region: Are military juntas hindering stability?

Many experts say that only a return to democracy can address the crisis facing the Sahel's worsening security situation.
PoliticsSeptember 12, 2023
Protesters holds a banner reading "Thank you Wagner", the name of the Russian private security firm present in Mali.

Wagner in Africa: The impact of Prigozhin's death

Russia's presence in Africa relies on the Wagner Group, but there are questions after the death of its leader.
ConflictsAugust 25, 2023
Svenja Schulze in Nouakchott

German development minister starts tough West Africa mission

Kicking off a four-day trip to West Africa, Svenja Schulze said achieving regional stability remains a challenge.
PoliticsAugust 15, 202303:25 min
German Development Minister Svenja Schulze leaving Luftwaffe plane in Nouakchott, accompanied by Mauritanian Economy Minister Abdessalem Ould Mohamed Sale

Germany's development minister arrives in Mauritania

Germany's development policy chief will discuss the situation in Africa's Sahel region with high-ranking officials.
PoliticsAugust 14, 2023
Niger Niamey | Protest gegen Sanktionen

AfricaLink on Air — 08 August 2023

Niger junta rebuffs overtures backed by US, UN to talk+++Sanctions, flight disruptions, squeeze UN aid stocks in Niger
PoliticsAugust 9, 202330:00 min
General Abdourahmane Tchiani raising his arm

Algeria faces political dilemma over Niger coup

The Algerian government is critical of the coup in Niger but opposes an intervention by ECOWAS.
PoliticsAugust 9, 2023
Niger Niamey | Protest gegen Sanktionen

AfricaLink on Air — 08 August 2023

Niger junta rebuffs overtures backed by US, UN to talk+++Sanctions, flight disruptions, squeeze U.N. aid stocks in Niger
PoliticsAugust 8, 202330:00 min
Ali Lamine Zeine in 2008

Niger's junta names new prime minister

The junta in Niger have named former economy minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine as the country's new prime minister.
PoliticsAugust 8, 202300:49 min
German soldiers and armored vehicles in Niger

Niger: A German foreign policy miscalculation?

The military coup in Niger is seen in Germany as another setback for security in the Sahel region.
ConflictsAugust 7, 2023