DYNAMICS OF CONFLICT IN THE SAHEL: MALI, BURKINA FASO AND NIGER

Abstract

Over the past thirty years, the Sahel region, which includes countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger,has come to be associated with increasing levels of instability and conflict. A complex web of interrelated causes, such as historical grievances, ethnic conflicts, poor governance, economic marginalization, and the emergence of violent extremist groups, affect the dynamics of conflict in this region. The breakdown of governmental authority has made it possible for different insurgent groups, many of whom have jihadist ties—to take advantage of local grievances and seize control of sizable territory, especially in rural areas. The conflict has been made more complex by the involvement of foreign parties, including military activities on a regional and global scale, which has occasionally heightened tensions within the community. Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali all experience different conflict dynamics even though they face comparable difficulties. Longstanding Tuareg separatism is the main cause of the violence in Mali, and it has been made worse by the emergence of Islamist organizations in the wake of the 2012 crisis. Since 2015, there has been a sharp decline in security in Burkina Faso as a result of jihadist violence that has expanded from the country's north to other regions, escalating tensions amongst communities and resulting in a large-scale exodus. Even though it is a more stable country relatively, Niger is seeing an increase in cross-border insurgency, especially in the southeast, where Boko Haram is active, and in the western regions where it borders Mali and Burkina Faso.