The Sahel Region, the EU and a changing global Order

In 2023, the Sahel crisis entered its twelfth year and took on a worrying new dimension. Terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger and subsequent military coups continued to destabilise the entire region. Multipolar competition between major powers such as Russia and France disrupted regional dynamics, particularly after the arrival of Wagner's Russian mercenaries and the withdrawal of French military forces in Mali. Although the European Union (EU) adopted an integrated strategy for the region in 2021, the new dynamics seem to have challenged Europe's ability to act in this new context.

The objective of this webinar is therefore to analyse the context in which the EU is trying to implement its Integrated Strategy 2021 for the Sahel, examining the challenges and opportunities that the new regional context offers Europe - especially in light of the military coup in Niger. Moreover, in a context of multipolar competition with actors such as China, Russia, Brazil and India, the EU must make a credible offer to African partners, but also (re)think about the overall modalities of cooperation, promoting a more progressive approach based on true partnership and equality. What are the expectations and needs of the Sahel countries in this regard?

This meeting is part of a research project aimed at contributing to the development of potential solutions to promote peace and security in the Sahel region. The project is in cooperation with by FEPS and the Jean Jaurès Foundation.