Djiby Sow | ISS Africa

Can the security-for-minerals approach yield win-win outcomes for Sahelian states beyond diplomatic recognition?

With AES gone and the region fragile, will ECOWAS choose deeper integration to regain legitimacy and build resilience?

Despite a recent surge in terrorist attacks, the region is more at risk of fragmentation than centralised jihadist rule.

The AES-ECOWAS split has sparked pragmatic cooperation based on strategic interests between neighbouring countries.

The latest tensions are a wake-up call for the AU, which has lost influence in the Sahel-Saharan region.

Local populations feel the effects of climate change, but new research shows only indirect links to violent extremism.

This report examines the processes used to manage coups, and recommends how they could be improved.

Stability in West Africa requires that both organisations take pragmatic and flexible approaches, and learn from past mistakes.

With ECOWAS sanctions lifted, the military authorities must rapidly set the course for Niger to return to civilian rule.

Reports that the coup was triggered by rivalries and personal interests offer room for political manoeuvre and constructive dialogue.

Aptly managing the post-referendum period will be critical for transitional authorities.

The UN mission’s withdrawal opens the door for assertive political leadership by ECOWAS and the AU.