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Image: Rebecca Blackwell/AP/picture alliance

Sahel region

The Sahel is a vast region between the Sahara and the Sudanian savanna in Africa. The area faces environmental issues linked to climate change, and is a base for many terrorist groups in Northern Africa.

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All Content on this topic

Members of a military coup who took power in Burkina Faso in 2022.

Members of a military coup who took power in Burkina Faso in 2022.

Burkina Faso: Army behind most civilian deaths — report

Human Rights Watch says Burkina Faso's security forces "appear to be more brutal and violent" than militant groups.

Military heads of state: Mali's Assimi Goita, Burkina Faso's Captain Ibrahim Traore and Niger's General Abdourahamane Tiani walk together on stage as other soldiers follow behind in July 2024

Military heads of state: Mali's Assimi Goita, Burkina Faso's Captain Ibrahim Traore and Niger's General Abdourahamane Tiani walk together on stage as other soldiers follow behind in July 2024

EU seeks new strategy amid Sahel 'influence' rivalries

The EU wants to invest more in security partnerships and job creation to foster ties with West Africa.

The charred remains of a motorbike after a Feburary 2026 jihadist attack in Kwara, central Nigeria

The charred remains of a motorbike after a Feburary 2026 jihadist attack in Kwara, central Nigeria

Nigeria's new corridor opens doors for jihadi groups

Sahelian militants are expanding across northwest and central Nigeria, fueling concern over a widening insurgency.

An IRGC soldier stands in front of one of the police headquarters buildings that was targeted during the US and Israeli attacks on Iran (March 4, 2026)

An IRGC soldier stands in front of one of the police headquarters buildings that was targeted during the US and Israeli attacks on Iran (March 4, 2026)

How the US-Israel war with Iran is reshaping Africa

What does the US-Israel war with Iran mean for relations between Tehran and the African continent?

DW | Under the Baobab | Thumbnail

DW | Under the Baobab | Thumbnail

Is Sierra Leone's Bio the new power broker in the Sahel?

Military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have increased insecurity and drug trafficking in the ECOWAS region.

DW | Under the Baobab | Thumbnail

DW | Under the Baobab | Thumbnail

Is Maada Bio the Sahel's new junta power broker?

Military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have increased insecurity and drug trafficking in the ECOWAS region.

A member of the Malian special forces stands guard during the ceremony that celebrates the national army day (File: January 20, 2022)

A member of the Malian special forces stands guard during the ceremony that celebrates the national army day (File: January 20, 2022)

US, Russia vie for influence in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso

The US is reshaping its efforts in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso as Russia expands its influence across the Sahel region.

Reem Alabali-Radovan sits at a wooden table with youth wearing school uniforms in Sierra Leone

Reem Alabali-Radovan sits at a wooden table with youth wearing school uniforms in Sierra Leone

German development policy: Partners in the Global South

Federal Development Minister Radovan is in West Africa to offer counterprogramming to Trump's bully tactics.

DW AfricaLink

DW AfricaLink

Sahel nations unite to battle extremism

Adwoa Domena speaks with Adib Saani, a regional security analyst, and DW's Bram Posthumus.

A composite image shows three African military leaders wearing berets. L to R: Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani, Ibrahim Traoré

A composite image shows three African military leaders wearing berets. L to R: Assimi Goïta, Abdourahamane Tiani, Ibrahim Traoré

Can new AES Unified Force stamp out terror in the Sahel?

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have created a joint military force to combat terrorism.

Under the Baobab

Under the Baobab

Can the EU's new Sahel strategy win back trust?

Europe says it's ready to listen again. But after years of broken partnerships and growing anti-Western sentiment, can the EU's new approach to the Sahel truly protect civilians and restore stability?

A composite image shows DW's "Under the Baobab" hosts George Okachi (R) and Mimi Mefo Newuh (second R) smiling into the camera, next to a portrait of Burkina Faso's junta leader Ibrahim Traore (top L) and EU flags in front of an office building (bottom L). The words "Under the Baobab" (C) and "EU returns to Sahel to win junta leaders" (bottom) are superimposed

A composite image shows DW's "Under the Baobab" hosts George Okachi (R) and Mimi Mefo Newuh (second R) smiling into the camera, next to a portrait of Burkina Faso's junta leader Ibrahim Traore (top L) and EU flags in front of an office building (bottom L). The words "Under the Baobab" (C) and "EU returns to Sahel to win junta leaders" (bottom) are superimposed

Can the EU's new Sahel strategy win back trust?

Europe says it's ready to listen again. But after years of broken partnerships and growing anti-Western sentiment, can the EU's new approach to the Sahel truly protect civilians and restore stability?

Guinea: General Mamady Doumbouya, head of the Army's special forces, waves to the crowd

Guinea: General Mamady Doumbouya, head of the Army's special forces, waves to the crowd

How Africa can halt the 'new wave' of coups

Coups in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, an attempted coup in Benin: How can the continent return to the democratic path?

President Alassane Ouattara votes during the presidential election at a polling station

President Alassane Ouattara votes during the presidential election at a polling station

What Ouattara's reelection means for Cote d'Ivoire

Alassane Ouatarra's reelection as Cote d'Ivoire's president has raised fresh fears over the country's democracy.

A group of soldiers wearing camourflage uniforms and black masks

A group of soldiers wearing camourflage uniforms and black masks

Sahel-based terror groups expand to coastal West Africa

Terrorists with a foothold in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are infiltrating Benin, Togo, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire.

Miners search for gold at a working gold mine in Ghana.

Miners search for gold at a working gold mine in Ghana.

How Ghana's gold rush threatens to fuel illicit trade

A large chunk of Ghana's gold revenues vanish into unofficial, and untraceable, trade.

A soldier straps on his weapon during the state funeral of Mali's recently deceased ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, in Bamako, on January 21, 2022

A soldier straps on his weapon during the state funeral of Mali's recently deceased ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, in Bamako, on January 21, 2022

How Russian mercenaries in Mali exploit military equipment

A new study suggests Russian mercenaries have used equipment belonging to the Malian army, possibly breaching a treaty.

An opposition supporter gestures during a march calling for an inclusive election in the neighborhood of Yopougon in Abidjan, surrounded by other protesters

An opposition supporter gestures during a march calling for an inclusive election in the neighborhood of Yopougon in Abidjan, surrounded by other protesters

Ivory Coast democracy under scrutiny ahead of election

Five candidates are vying for the presidency, while several key opposition figures have been barred from running.

A man shows a painting in support of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) during a gathering to celebrate the withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

A man shows a painting in support of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) during a gathering to celebrate the withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

AES turns two: Unity or unequal partnership?

The Alliance of Sahel States turns two amid rising insecurity and doubts about its political and economic impact.

Burkina Faso's junta leader President Ibrahim Traore salutes.

Burkina Faso's junta leader President Ibrahim Traore salutes.

Burkina Faso's Traore: A hero to some, autocrat to others

Traore enjoys massive support on social media across Africa, but at home, he is crushing dissent and basic freedoms.

A truck drives past the African Renaissance Monument in Dakar, Senegal

A truck drives past the African Renaissance Monument in Dakar, Senegal

How far have francophone African nations come since 1960?

Sixty-five years ago, 14 countries gained independence from France. But how much influence does France still have?

The outline of the African continent is depicted on a doorknob at the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

The outline of the African continent is depicted on a doorknob at the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Will ECOWAS meet its 2027 currency launch goal?

Despite delays and other issues, the Economic Community of West African States plans to introduce the eco by 2027.

The leader of Mali's ruling junta, Assimi Goita, center, is flanked by other soldiers as he walks. Behind him dignitaries sit under canopies.

The leader of Mali's ruling junta, Assimi Goita, center, is flanked by other soldiers as he walks. Behind him dignitaries sit under canopies.

Mali says thwarted coup supported by 'foreign states'

Mali's military junta arrested two generals and a French national and accused them of plotting a coup.

Four humvees with Nigerien soldiers are seen patrolling a dusty road in Diffa, southeastern Niger, in 2016

Four humvees with Nigerien soldiers are seen patrolling a dusty road in Diffa, southeastern Niger, in 2016

Soldiers' families face neglect of Sahel leaders

The fight against terrorism in the Sahel continues to cost lives. Their military governments appear to cover this up.

Two narcotics officers looking at a fire

Two narcotics officers looking at a fire

How the Sahel became a smuggling hotspot

Sahel region: crises, drug trafficking and human trafficking are getting worse.

A picture of the entrance to Arlit uranium mine project launched by France's state-owned nuclear giant Areva's

A picture of the entrance to Arlit uranium mine project launched by France's state-owned nuclear giant Areva's

As France's Africa policy collapses how do companies adjust?

As African political leaders turn their backs on former colonial ruler France, French corporations are forced to adjust.

The words "Are the African Union and ECOWAS losing relevance" alongside the logos of the AU, ECOWAS

The words "Are the African Union and ECOWAS losing relevance" alongside the logos of the AU, ECOWAS

Are the African Union and ECOWAS losing relevance?

Amid conflict in Sudan and coups in the Sahel, are these continental and regional bodies relevant or merely symbolic?

DW AfricaLink photo

DW AfricaLink photo

Can African countries resist democracy capture?

Eddy Micah Jr. talks to researchers Dr. John Osae-Kwapong and Lois Matthew.

A view of damaged tanks in front of the Central Bank of Sudan building, Khartoum

A view of damaged tanks in front of the Central Bank of Sudan building, Khartoum

How Middle East conflicts could destabilize African nations

Strategic interests link Israel and Iran to nations across Africa. What repercussions loom if the conflict escalate?

Children in a classroom in Nana Kéniéba

Children in a classroom in Nana Kéniéba

Why the Sahel crisis is a war on children's education

The Sahel region is facing a crisis. Schools have been forced to close, leaving children without access to education.

Sudanese refugees gather at a World Food Program distribution center in Adre, a town in Chad on the border

Sudanese refugees gather at a World Food Program distribution center in Adre, a town in Chad on the border

UNHCR reports record displacement in West and Central Africa

The UN Refugee Agency blames migration trends and conflict for creating a "perfect storm" of mass displacement.

What do birds think of wind turbines? | Eco Africa

The women planting trees to stop the desert in Mali — and how to protect rare birds from wind turbines

A general view of a campaign billboard of Gabon's military leader and Presidential candidate Brice Oligui Nguema

A general view of a campaign billboard of Gabon's military leader and Presidential candidate Brice Oligui Nguema

Gabon 2025 election: An example for the Sahel nations?

Can Gabon be a role model for the Sahel nations?

An Akinci Drone in full flight

An Akinci Drone in full flight

How an intercepted drone escalated Mali-Algeria tensions

Relations between the neighboring African countries have been deteriorating since 2023. Can frozen ties be thawed?

Niger: a uranium mine in the desert near Arlit

Niger: a uranium mine in the desert near Arlit

Sahel juntas drive new era in mineral extraction

Military governments in the Sahel aim to reduce dependence on foreign mining companies and diversify their economies.

DW AfricaLink

DW AfricaLink

Why has ECOWAS established a standby force?

Josey Mahachi talks to a Nigerian lawyer, Kajit John Bagu and DW's Correspondent Ben Adam Shemang in Abuja.

Nigerien Special Force commandos during close quarter battle training alongside French and British Special Forces during exercise Flintlock 2022

Nigerien Special Force commandos during close quarter battle training alongside French and British Special Forces during exercise Flintlock 2022

Niger: 'Islamic State' kills dozens in mosque attack

Forty-four people have been killed in a terrorist attack by the "Islamic State" militant group on a mosque in Niger.

Bildkombo Flaggen Niger und Nigeria

Bildkombo Flaggen Niger und Nigeria

Nigerian traders angry after Niger restricts border entry

Nigerian traders at the Niger border are expressing their concerns about officials in Niamey rejecting ECOWAS passports.

A group of Burkina Faso soldiers sit on the side of an army truck on November 4, 2019

A group of Burkina Faso soldiers sit on the side of an army truck on November 4, 2019

Rights group urges probe into Burkina Faso civilian massacre

Militias allied to Burkina Faso's junta are linked to an attack that left dozens dead, Human Rights Watch said.

Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso | Unterstützung der Allianz der Sahel-Staaten (AES)

Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso | Unterstützung der Allianz der Sahel-Staaten (AES)

How Sahel states ditched Western mining interests

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso no longer orient themselves towards France or Western business interests.

DW AfricaLink

DW AfricaLink

Why did Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso leave ECOWAS?

Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace and security.

Rokiatou Traoré plants a moringa tree sapling in a wood near Koulokoro, Mali.

Rokiatou Traoré plants a moringa tree sapling in a wood near Koulokoro, Mali.

Fighting desertification in a country that's half desert

Rokiatou Traoré is on a bold mission to plant 10 million moringa trees in Mali's arid Sahel region.

Banner in Ouagadougou showing Burkinabe junta leader Ibrahim Traoré and Russian ruler Vladimir Putin shaking hands

Banner in Ouagadougou showing Burkinabe junta leader Ibrahim Traoré and Russian ruler Vladimir Putin shaking hands

Russian propaganda: How Moscow uses disinformation in Africa

DW looks at the methods, objectives and regional differences of Russian disinformation campaigns in Africa.

Chadian soldiers pose before the start of a ceremony

Chadian soldiers pose before the start of a ceremony

With French troops leaving, what does Chad's future hold?

How stable is Chad after France withdraws its military forces following a recent attack on the presidential palace?

Emmanuel Macron waves from an open car, standing in front of Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo

Emmanuel Macron waves from an open car, standing in front of Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo

With 'ungrateful' swipe, Macron further alienates Africa

A recent speech by President Emmanuel Macron might deepen the divide between France and its former African colonies.

A French soldier stands guard near a military pick up truck in Mali

A French soldier stands guard near a military pick up truck in Mali

Ivory Coast withdrawal: France's waning influence in Africa

French troops will soon depart Ivory Coast, raising questions about France's future military presence in West Africa.

French military mission in Ivory Coast

French military mission in Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast asks French forces to leave

Ivory Coast has become the latest West African nation to downscale military ties with former colonial power France.

From left to right: Mali's Assimi Goita, Niger's General Abdourahamane Tiani and Burkina Faso's Captain Ibrahim Traore, standing next to each other in their respective military uniforms

From left to right: Mali's Assimi Goita, Niger's General Abdourahamane Tiani and Burkina Faso's Captain Ibrahim Traore, standing next to each other in their respective military uniforms

Sahel juntas make life more difficult for human rights NGOs

Critical reporting on human rights are a problem for junta leaders, who claim the reports damage national security.

Abdullahi Mohamud, a camel herder in Kenya, is seen in front of his camels as he speaks to DW

Abdullahi Mohamud, a camel herder in Kenya, is seen in front of his camels as he speaks to DW

Desertification drives Kenyan herdsmen to camels

Climate change has degraded 75% of the Earth's land, the UN warns. Kenyan herders are already trading cattle for camels.

A photo of Salif Keita with sunglasses on.

A photo of Salif Keita with sunglasses on.

Mali's junta gains musical ally, as critics raise alarm

Renowned musician Salif Keita has openly endorsed Mali's military junta, amid growing human rights concerns.