Sahelian Local Perspectives On Western Models Of Security Collaboration

The Sahel region, stretching from West to East Africa, is a volatile geographic area facing numerous challenges, including terrorism, intercommunal conflicts, organised crime, and human rights violations.

Over the past decades, Western countries have supported Sahel countries in addressing these security challenges through various security collaboration models, including a considerable package centred on security sector reform, counter-terrorism, and other capacity-building efforts.

The West has promoted its own security models based on principles of democracy and human rights. However, over the past few years, such models have come under increasing scrutiny from Sahel countries, which have argued that they are not suited to the unique context of the region.

The 2024 Sahel-Europe Dialogue Forum, organised by the Universidades Privadas Madrid - UFV Madrid included a panel co-organised by the NSD-S HUB with the aim of giving the floor to Sahelian experts who could express their ideas and make proposals on the theme of the report.

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Background

This paper is not based on a formal research process but on presentations made by the panelists and the opinions expressed by the other forum participants, mainly Sahelians or Sahel region experts during the Sahel - Europe Forum held in Madrid in July 2024.

It explores Sahelian perspectives on Western security collaboration models from military and civilian points of view, based on their experience and wider public opinions of recent interventions in the region. It highlights key areas of friction and alternative approaches that may better address the region’s specific needs and realities, offering a pathway for more sustainable, realistic and regionally driven solutions.

Key Insights

The gap between Western nations and Sahel countries in terms of cooperation has widened due to rapidly changing security dynamics, divergent priorities and inconsistent approaches.
After a decade of substantial international commitment to both direct military action and bolstering local forces in the fight against terrorist and violent extremist organizations, the current situation in the Sahel needs reassessment.
In the Sahel, Western powers are sometimes seen as prioritizing their strategic interests, such as stability over reforms.
Heavy reliance on foreign powers for security and governance reforms poses significant political, security and governance risks to Sahel countries.

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