Only an African Solution Can Ensure Security in the Sahel

Abstract

The Sahel region faces a deepening security crisis, driven by the convergence of terrorism, organised crime, and political instability. Despite extensive external military interventions, these efforts have largely failed to address the underlying causes of insecurity, resulting in rising disillusionment among local populations. This policy perspective argues that only African-led solutions, grounded in local realities, can effectively tackle the region’s complex challenges. The involvement of African institutions such as the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), alongside locally driven initiatives, is crucial. Western interventions have been criticised for their military-focused approach, neglecting socio-political dimensions and local needs, while non-Western powers like China and Russia are increasingly shaping the region’s geopolitical landscape. To achieve sustainable peace, security strategies must prioritise community-based governance, engage civil society—especially women—and ensure that solutions align with the unique political, cultural, and economic contexts of the Sahel. Ultimately, this commentary calls for a shift towards African ownership of the security agenda, supported by international partners in a non-intrusive manner, to foster stability and long-term peace in the Sahel.