The regional dimension: Instability in the Sahel
As a crossing point between Sub-Saharan Africa and the Maghreb/Mashreq, Mali has always been exposed to numerous cross-border political, economic and cultural influences, ranging from commercial activities around ancient trade and caravan routes to drug trafficking, transnational radicalism and external interferences. Understanding the dynamics of the region in relation to the crisis in Mali is the key to any successful stabilisation strategy. CRU’s report aims to uncover regional political trends and their impact on the crisis dynamics and the transition process in Mali. It will also reflect upon the international Sahel strategies by taking into account these trends and impact.
More specifically, it will address questions such as:
• What explains the position of other countries in the region (Algeria, Morocco, Niger, Mauritania and Burkina Faso) in the current peace talks and the general stabilisation process?
• What could be the main options for the international community in terms of regional engagement with the Sahel?
• What is the likelihood that the crisis in Mali will be reciprocated in another country of the region?
The political analysis of the broader Sahel will be an important cornerstone in improving our understanding of the context of the crisis and transition process in Mali.
This area of research features the following publications and events
Publications
Policy Brief
Fix the unfixable; how to bring greater stability to the Sahel ( 8 January, 2016)
Adressing Libya's multiple crises (3 July, 2015)
Report
Islamic State franchising: Tribes, transnational jihadi networks and generational shifts (20 april, 2015)
Revolution and its discontents: state, factions and violence in the new Libya (september 2013)
Commentary
Understanding instability in Libya: Will peace talks end the chaos? (17 March, 2015)
Commentary
From neglect to hyperactivity: The regional force against Boko Haram (16 February, 2015)
Commentary
The new criminal blitz: Mali, Iraq and the business of asymmetry (25 July, 2014)