Europe’s Forthcoming Sahel Strategy: A Limited Role in a Multipolar Region - International Centre for Defence and Security

Europe’s Forthcoming Sahel Strategy: A Limited Role in a Multipolar Region - International Centre for Defence and Security

Europe’s previous security strategy towards the Sahel region, anchored in French-led operations and EU capacity-building missions, failed to deliver a lasting impact. Ambitions were unrealistic, given the region’s vast needs, and efforts misaligned with local elites who prioritised regime survival over reform. Europe had little leverage once coups unfolded, and the juntas chose to realign with alternative partners.