Africa

France’s strongman strategy in the Sahel

The French response to internal threats in North African countries has been to reinforce authoritarian rule to keep the peace. But it could inflame miltancy in the long run, especially in Chad and Libya. 

Russia’s hired guns in Africa

The involvement of Russian private military companies in Africa is rapidly growing, and with it, their political and economic influence

Blocked arteries: The EU’s problem with African integration

Encouraging regional integration could improve economic diversification and economic security in North Africa, while encouraging the regional labour migration that has long helped sustain the Sahel and West Africa

G5 Sahel: Much done, more to do

Significant progress on funding and co-ordination, but problematic partnerships with local militias and abuses by security services still hamper prospects for EU’s Sahel strategy