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Two women walking across a dry savanna
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 Russian flag with the emblem of Russia on hang on the monument in the CAR

How the Russian Wagner Group is entrenching itself in Africa

The Russian Wagner Group has been active in many African countries for years. Now, it's expanding its range of services.
ConflictsOctober 27, 2024
DW AfricaLink

Future of Africa's Sahel: Overcoming instability and poverty

For decades, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have faced instability, terrorism, poverty and resource exploitation. Despite expelling French troops post-coups, progress is slow. Eddy Micah Jr. discusses these issues with researcher Malick Sadibou Coulibaly and Evelyn Groenink from ZAM.
SocietyOctober 17, 202426:45 min
Photos of the leaders of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani, Ibrahim Traoré, from left to right.

Rising discontent with military juntas in the Sahel region

Activists are condemning the juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger for failing to keep their promises.
ConflictsOctober 16, 2024
A Malian man standing on a rooftop in Bamako poses in military garb and holds up a Russian flag alongside an Ethiopian flag

Nigerian FM on Russian motives in Africa: Trust but verify

What are Russia's goals? Yusuf Tuggar told DW Nigeria pursues "strategic autonomy" following series of coups in Africa.
PoliticsOctober 7, 202423:56 min
A Malian man standing on a rooftop in Bamako poses in military garb and holds up a Russian flag alongside an Ethiopian flag

Nigerian FM on Russian motives in Africa: Trust but verify

What are Russia's goals? Yusuf Tuggar told DW Nigeria pursues "strategic autonomy" following series of coups in Africa.
PoliticsOctober 4, 202424:13 min
DW "Eco Africa" Sendungslogo mit Partnerlogos (Composite)

Eco Africa: Getting active for the environment

Dancing to raise climate awareness. | Seagrass protection efforts.
Nature and EnvironmentSeptember 27, 202426:05 min
DW AfricaLink | Podcastcover: 67715110

How is Russia helping to fight extremists in the Sahel?

Eddy Micah Jr. talks to security analyst Ryan Cummings and DW correspondent Bram Poshumus in the Sahel region.
ConflictsSeptember 16, 202426:46 min
Chad's Mahamat Idriss Deby and Hungary's Viktor Orban meet in Budapest.

Hungary plans to deploy its troops to Chad

Observers say Hungary's prime minister aims to mimic the growing influence of Russia's Vladimir Putin on the continent.
PoliticsSeptember 11, 2024
Sudanese people wait in line at Kurmuk refugee transit camp, one of Ethiopia's main refugee entry points on the border

Sudan conflict escalates refugee crisis in Ethiopia

Ethiopia's new Oura refugee camp is home to thousands of people who fled a devastating civil war in neighboring Sudan.
ConflictsSeptember 5, 2024
German soldiers board a transport plane in Niamey, Niger

Germany withdraws troops from junta-run Niger

The move, prompted by military coups in the region, means the Bundeswehr no longer has a presence in Africa's Sahel.
ConflictsAugust 30, 2024
Maïmouna Hamadi, a religious guide, speaks to DW in a village square

Mauritanian women take lead in preventing extremism

Mourchidates, key figures in Mauritanian society as religious teachers and family counselors, help to ensure peace.
SocietyAugust 15, 202403:48 min
Malian soldiers patrol a town while holding their weapons

Mali breaks diplomatic ties with Ukraine

Ukraine has rejected alleged involvement in a rebel attack, calling Mali's decision "shortsighted."
PoliticsAugust 5, 2024
Undated photograph handed out by French military shows Russian mercenaries in northern Mali

Mali: Rebels say they killed soldiers in restive north

Tuareg rebels claim they have killed Malian soldiers as well as Russian mercenaries in the country's embattled north.
ConflictsJuly 28, 2024
Junta leaders of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso

Niger: One year after coup, junta remains vague on future

After the July 2023 coup, Niger's military rulers promised to restore security. A year on, threats and problems remain.
PoliticsJuly 25, 2024
Annalena Baerbock in conversation with a member of the Ivorian military

German ties in West Africa 'not a charity campaign'

Germany seeks expanded ties in West Africa because EU security depends on it, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock says.
PoliticsJuly 17, 2024
Annalena Baerbock gestures while speaking to a military officer during her visit to the Ivory Coast. July 16, 2024.

Baerbock observes counterterrorism training in Ivory Coast

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also held talks with Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
PoliticsJuly 17, 2024
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock walking with Senegal's Infrastructure Minister Malick Ndiaye

Germany's Baerbock visits West Africa amid Sahel violence

Germany's top diplomat is traveling to Senegal and Ivory Coast to discuss migration and sustainability.
PoliticsJuly 16, 2024
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