In West Africa, countries under military coup are claiming good governance. In Niger too, locals have shown support to the military takeover. Perpetrators of the coup also claim that they are responding to people's demands. Our report tells you more about Burkina Faso, Mali and now Niger - all countries that seem to have embraced military rule.

Niger, Burkina Faso & Guinea Embrace coups

The civil conflict in Libya has escalated, threatening to destabilize the region further. Locals are stranded in their homes in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, which is witnessing a spiralling conflict between two armed factions. Libya has seen little peace since 2011. But in the last decade, armed factions continue to gain a stronger foothold and power in the country. As the civil crisis shows no signs of ending, the eternal question remains...Who will save Libya now?

The deadly trail of turmoil in Libya

Five Burkinabe police officers have died in an attack in the centre-east of Burkina Faso, with at least 40 of the attackers "neutralised" when the authorities launched a counter-attack, the army said Sunday.

The attack occurred on Saturday afternoon when members of a police mobile intervention force were targeted near Diougo-Yourga, in Koulpelogo province near the Togo border, the army said.

That attack "cost the lives of five police officers. Four others were evacuated and treated for injuries", the military added in a statement.

"In response, at least forty terrorists were neutralised and equipment seized," it said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-intervention-in-niger-will-be-declaration-of-war-against-us-mali-and-burkina-faso-621214">Military intervention in Niger will be 'declaration of war' against us: Mali and Burkina Faso</a>

Koulpelogo was the scene of another deadly attack on August 7, when around twenty people were killed in Nohao near the town of Bittou, according to security and local sources.

In mid-July, Burkina Faso's transitional president Captain Ibrahim Traore, who seized power in a September 2022 coup, deplored the "increasingly recurrent attacks against civilians", saying the jihadists were displaying "cowardice".

The apparent motive for the country's two coups in recent years was anger at failures to stem a jihadist insurgency since it spilled over from neighbouring Mali in 2015.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/burkina-faso-at-least-20-killed-dozens-injured-in-jihadist-attack-623480">Burkina Faso: At least 20 killed, dozens injured in jihadist attack</a>

More than 16,000 civilians, troops and police have died in jihadist attacks, according to an NGO count, including more than 5,000 since the start of this year.

More than two million people have also been displaced within Burkina Faso, making it one of the worst internal displacement crises in Africa.&nbsp; 
 
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Five Burkinabe police officers have died in an attack in the centre-east of Burkina Faso, with at least 40 of the attackers "neutralised" when the authorities launched a counter-attack, the army said Sunday.

Five Burkinabe police officers have died in an attack in the centre-east of Burkina Faso, with at least 40 of the attackers "neutralised" when the authorities launched a counter-attack, the army said Sunday. The attack occurred on Saturday afternoon when members of a police mobile intervention force were targeted near Diougo-Yourga, in Koulpelogo province near the Togo border, the army said. That attack "cost the lives of five police officers. Four others were evacuated and treated for injuries", the military added in a statement. "In response, at least forty terrorists were neutralised and equipment seized," it said. ALSO READ | Military intervention in Niger will be 'declaration of war' against us: Mali and Burkina Faso Koulpelogo was the scene of another deadly attack on August 7, when around twenty people were killed in Nohao near the town of Bittou, according to security and local sources. In mid-July, Burkina Faso's transitional president Captain Ibrahim Traore, who seized power in a September 2022 coup, deplored the "increasingly recurrent attacks against civilians", saying the jihadists were displaying "cowardice". The apparent motive for the country's two coups in recent years was anger at failures to stem a jihadist insurgency since it spilled over from neighbouring Mali in 2015. ALSO READ | Burkina Faso: At least 20 killed, dozens injured in jihadist attack More than 16,000 civilians, troops and police have died in jihadist attacks, according to an NGO count, including more than 5,000 since the start of this year. More than two million people have also been displaced within Burkina Faso, making it one of the worst internal displacement crises in Africa. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Five Burkina Faso police officers, 40 'terrorists' die in clashes

A delegation from the ECOWAS regional bloc of West Africa met the deposed president of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, and had discussions with the head of the junta, General Abdourahmane Tchiani. A day after the military commanders of the bloc declared they were prepared to act militarily to reinstate Bazoum, a plane carrying the delegation touched down in the nation's capital Niamey at around 1pm on Saturday.

Niger Crisis: ECOWAS members meet ousted Nigerian President

The capital of Ghana, Accra, has been the site of meetings amongst West African leaders. Following a coup last month, the West African regional group ECOWAS claims to have selected an unnamed "D-Day" for a potential military intervention to reinstall the democratically elected president of Niger.

Niger Crisis: ECOWAS decides an undisclosed 'D-day' for Niger intervention

The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council has resolved to oppose the use of military force in Niger after a lengthy and tense meeting. The AU is at differences with ECOWAS on this choice, which should have been ratified last week. ECOWAS chose to immediately deploy its standby forces in preparation for a potential military intervention.

Niger Crisis: African Union distances itself from ECOWAS

Ghana, the second-largest producer of cocoa in the world, may not be able to fulfill some of its crop contracts for a second season due to weak harvest, raises the possibility of a global shortage, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Sources familiar with the situation, told Bloomberg that farmers in Ghana are anticipated to harvest the least amount in 13 years during the season ending next month, falling short of official projections by almost a quarter. According to them, the shortfall is preventing the industry’s regulator from fulfilling current contracts and forcing it to postpone the supply of 44,000 metric tons of cocoa for future harvests.

The decision would put additional pressure on the world’s cocoa markets, where prices have increased this year due to extreme weather, which has reduced output among leading growers. The 2017 main-crop harvest in Ivory Coast, the greatest exporter in the world, is predicted to decrease by about a fifth from the previous year.

The actual harvest is now expected to be around 650,000 tons, down from the initial estimate of 850,000 tons by the Ghana Cocoa Board, which was hampered by a lack of fertilizers, spraying chemicals, and sales to the neighboring Ivory Coast, where a stronger currency offers better returns for farmers, the sources said. They said that the regulator had already renewed around 40,000 tons of contracts during the previous season.

Leading producers’ output problems will probably put the globe on track for a third consecutive supply shortfall. Major chocolate producers have cautioned that, given the rise in wholesale costs, they cannot rule out further consumer price hikes.

The problem for Ghana comes on top of difficulties in trying to secure funds to buy beans for the crop in the years 2023–2024, highlighting worries about the debt crisis in the West African country. The Ghana Cocoa Board is looking for additional methods of funding the upcoming season, which begins on October 1.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Ghana, the second-largest producer of cocoa in the world, may not be able to fulfill some of its crop contracts for a second season due to weak harvest, raises the possibility of a global shortage, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Ghana, the second-largest producer of cocoa in the world, may not be able to fulfill some of its crop contracts for a second season due to weak harvest, raises the possibility of a global shortage, according to a report by Bloomberg. Sources familiar with the situation, told Bloomberg that farmers in Ghana are anticipated to harvest the least amount in 13 years during the season ending next month, falling short of official projections by almost a quarter. According to them, the shortfall is preventing the industry’s regulator from fulfilling current contracts and forcing it to postpone the supply of 44,000 metric tons of cocoa for future harvests. The decision would put additional pressure on the world’s cocoa markets, where prices have increased this year due to extreme weather, which has reduced output among leading growers. The 2017 main-crop harvest in Ivory Coast, the greatest exporter in the world, is predicted to decrease by about a fifth from the previous year. The actual harvest is now expected to be around 650,000 tons, down from the initial estimate of 850,000 tons by the Ghana Cocoa Board, which was hampered by a lack of fertilizers, spraying chemicals, and sales to the neighboring Ivory Coast, where a stronger currency offers better returns for farmers, the sources said. They said that the regulator had already renewed around 40,000 tons of contracts during the previous season. Leading producers’ output problems will probably put the globe on track for a third consecutive supply shortfall. Major chocolate producers have cautioned that, given the rise in wholesale costs, they cannot rule out further consumer price hikes. The problem for Ghana comes on top of difficulties in trying to secure funds to buy beans for the crop in the years 2023–2024, highlighting worries about the debt crisis in the West African country. The Ghana Cocoa Board is looking for additional methods of funding the upcoming season, which begins on October 1. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ghana may not meet demand for cocoa after weak harvest 

Gabon will be heading to the polls on the 26th of August to elect a new leader. But as the country prepares to vote, current president Ali Bongo is seeking another term in office. Does Bongo aim to rule as his father did for over 40 years?

Elections in Gabon as current president hopes to keep the seat

Concerns are growing over China's debt-trap diplomacy. Analysts say Beijing intentionally excessively lends money to low-income indebted states that cannot later repay Chinese debt. The borrowing state is thus forced to relinquish some of its strategic assets to decrease its debt burden towards china, a debt-for-equity swap. Countries are becoming ensnared in a debt trap that leaves them vulnerable to China’s influence.

China's debt-trap diplomacy forces nations to cede strategic assets | Africa infrastructure projects

Tensions have been high between Niger's coup leaders and the West African bloc of nations, as the latter mulls over military intervention to restore normalcy in Niger. But Nigeria's latest mission to the country has assured that the military junta is willing to resolve matters with ECOWAS. But if that is the case, why is ousted president Mohamed Bazoum being brought up to treason charges?

Niger coup leaders are willing to resolve standoff with ECOWAS, says Nigerian mission

The extreme weather is driving hunger in South Sudan to unprecedented levels as access to food is pushed out of reach for families who were previously able to feed themselves. Watch the video to know more.

Extreme climate wreaks South Sudan, extreme weather drives hunger in Sudan

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has continued its efforts of engaging diplomatically with Niger military junta while retaining the threat of military intervention. The crisis in Niger has sucked in global superpowers in the political game.

The ECOWAS said on Saturday (August 12) that the bloc was aiming to send parliamentary committee to meet the coup leaders who have imprisoned Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum. The coup leaders have dissolved the elected government. The coup in Niger is a seventh coup in West and Central Africa in three years.

There was no firm decision from the ECOWAS parliament on Saturday, and it set up a committee which plans to meet Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.&nbsp;

President Tinubu holds the bloc's revolving chairmanship. ECOWAS spokesperson said that the bloc wants to meet Tinubu to take his permission to go to Niger.

Niger coup leaders are headed by General &nbsp;Abdourahamane Tiani. They have so far rebuffed ECOWAS' diplomatic efforts, even those of the US. This has raised fears of further conflict in the impoverished Sahel region in Africa which is already combating Islamist insurgency.

With diplomacy faltering, ECOWAS has activated a standby military force they say will be deployed as a last resort if talks fail.

Along with fate of Niger, the crisis also puts at stake influence of rival global powers who have strategic interest in the region.

Currently, soldiers from the US, France, Germany and Italy are stationed in Niger where local affiliates of al Qaeda and Islamic State have killed thousands and displaced millions.

To add to this, Russian influence has increased as insecurity increases, democracy erodes, and leaders seek new partners to restore order.

Western powers fear Russia's clout could increase if the junta in Niger follows neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, which ejected the troops of former colonial power France after coups in those countries.

<h2>Supporters of coup march to French base</h2>

Those supporting Niger coup on Friday marched to military base in Niger's capital Niamey. Hundreads of thousands of pro-coup supporters had gathered for a demonstration.&nbsp;

Since the July 26 military ouster of elected President Mohamed Bazoum, many Nigeriens have joined junta-organised rallies to show support for the generals, criticise Western powers and laud Russia, which is vying for influence with the West in the region.

Popular anger is targeted at former colonial power France, whose forces were kicked out of Mali and Burkina Faso after the coups there and whose presence in Niger is under threat.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has continued its efforts of engaging diplomatically with Niger military junta while retaining the threat of military intervention.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has continued its efforts of engaging diplomatically with Niger military junta while retaining the threat of military intervention. The crisis in Niger has sucked in global superpowers in the political game. The ECOWAS said on Saturday (August 12) that the bloc was aiming to send parliamentary committee to meet the coup leaders who have imprisoned Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum. The coup leaders have dissolved the elected government. The coup in Niger is a seventh coup in West and Central Africa in three years. There was no firm decision from the ECOWAS parliament on Saturday, and it set up a committee which plans to meet Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. President Tinubu holds the bloc's revolving chairmanship. ECOWAS spokesperson said that the bloc wants to meet Tinubu to take his permission to go to Niger. Niger coup leaders are headed by General Abdourahamane Tiani. They have so far rebuffed ECOWAS' diplomatic efforts, even those of the US. This has raised fears of further conflict in the impoverished Sahel region in Africa which is already combating Islamist insurgency. With diplomacy faltering, ECOWAS has activated a standby military force they say will be deployed as a last resort if talks fail. Along with fate of Niger, the crisis also puts at stake influence of rival global powers who have strategic interest in the region. Currently, soldiers from the US, France, Germany and Italy are stationed in Niger where local affiliates of al Qaeda and Islamic State have killed thousands and displaced millions. To add to this, Russian influence has increased as insecurity increases, democracy erodes, and leaders seek new partners to restore order. Western powers fear Russia's clout could increase if the junta in Niger follows neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, which ejected the troops of former colonial power France after coups in those countries. Supporters of coup march to French base Those supporting Niger coup on Friday marched to military base in Niger's capital Niamey. Hundreads of thousands of pro-coup supporters had gathered for a demonstration. Since the July 26 military ouster of elected President Mohamed Bazoum, many Nigeriens have joined junta-organised rallies to show support for the generals, criticise Western powers and laud Russia, which is vying for influence with the West in the region. Popular anger is targeted at former colonial power France, whose forces were kicked out of Mali and Burkina Faso after the coups there and whose presence in Niger is under threat. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

ECOWAS continues diplomacy with Niger junta, but keeps forces on standby

Two weeks since the Niger coup, where are things headed? Will there be a war in West Africa? Will an intervention by ECOWAS really help? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Niger Coup: Will there be war?

European carriers have reported disruptions and suspended flights across the African continent on Monday after Niger’s military government closed its airspace on Sunday.

Niger coup hits flight routes to Africa

This isn't the first time when ECOWAS gave an ultimatum to coup leaders. However, military coup leaders in Niger refuse to back down to ECOWAS threats. Tensions are rising as the Sahel awaits military intervention by ECOWAS.

Is ECOWAS hesitant over military intervention in Niger?

As many as 20 people were killed while dozens were left wounded by unknown jihadists in an ambush attack in the West African country Burkina Faso, according to news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The attack took place near the&nbsp;Togolese border in the centre-east region of the country. Security sources said, of the 20 people killed, mostly were traders.&nbsp;

The region is bustling with Islamist groups linked to deadly terror outfits al Qaeda and Islamic State. However, it was unclear which group carried out the attack.&nbsp;

In April, following a similar modus-operandi, 44 people were killed in the&nbsp;villages of Kourakou and Tondobi in the Sahel region, near the Niger border.&nbsp;Rodolphe Sorgho, lieutenant-governor of the Sahel region dubbed the killing as 'despicable' and 'barbaric' at the time.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/burkina-faso-at-least-51killed-in-attacks-by-jihadist-groups-564113" target="_blank">ALSO READ | Burkina Faso: At least 51 killed in attacks by jihadist groups</a>

<h2>Jihadist war-torn country of Burkina Faso</h2>

Being one of the poorest countries, Burkina Faso is undergoing a violent cycle after witnessing two coups last year. It is battling jihadist insurgency which spilled over eight years ago in 2015 from the neighbouring country of Mali, which is also incidentally run by the military.&nbsp;

According to reports, the violence has led to the death of over 16,000 while two million people have been displaced, with no end to the jihadist violence in sight.&nbsp;

"Growing insecurity and conflict means vulnerability is increasing in the region, and it is getting harder to help communities in isolated areas," said UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Marie-Pierre Poirie.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/troops-film-boys-killings-in-burkina-faso-579159">WATCH |&nbsp;Troops film boys' killings in Burkina Faso</a>

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<h2>Army chief vows to step up operations</h2>

With the frequency&nbsp;of insurgent attacks increasing, the Burkina Army chief said 'dynamic offensive' was being stepped up against the jihadists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The dynamic offensive underway in the past few weeks will be stepped up to force armed groups to lay down their weapons," said&nbsp;Colonel Celestin Simpore, adding,&nbsp;"Certain operations will be carried out in coordination with fellow armies in neighbouring countries."

(With inputs from agencies)

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As many as 20 people were killed while dozens were left wounded by unknown jihadists in an ambush attack in the West African country Burkina Faso, according to news agency AFP.

As many as 20 people were killed while dozens were left wounded by unknown jihadists in an ambush attack in the West African country Burkina Faso, according to news agency AFP. The attack took place near the Togolese border in the centre-east region of the country. Security sources said, of the 20 people killed, mostly were traders. The region is bustling with Islamist groups linked to deadly terror outfits al Qaeda and Islamic State. However, it was unclear which group carried out the attack. In April, following a similar modus-operandi, 44 people were killed in the villages of Kourakou and Tondobi in the Sahel region, near the Niger border. Rodolphe Sorgho, lieutenant-governor of the Sahel region dubbed the killing as 'despicable' and 'barbaric' at the time. ALSO READ | Burkina Faso: At least 51 killed in attacks by jihadist groups Jihadist war-torn country of Burkina Faso Being one of the poorest countries, Burkina Faso is undergoing a violent cycle after witnessing two coups last year. It is battling jihadist insurgency which spilled over eight years ago in 2015 from the neighbouring country of Mali, which is also incidentally run by the military. According to reports, the violence has led to the death of over 16,000 while two million people have been displaced, with no end to the jihadist violence in sight. "Growing insecurity and conflict means vulnerability is increasing in the region, and it is getting harder to help communities in isolated areas," said UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Marie-Pierre Poirie. WATCH | Troops film boys' killings in Burkina Faso × Army chief vows to step up operations With the frequency of insurgent attacks increasing, the Burkina Army chief said 'dynamic offensive' was being stepped up against the jihadists. "The dynamic offensive underway in the past few weeks will be stepped up to force armed groups to lay down their weapons," said Colonel Celestin Simpore, adding, "Certain operations will be carried out in coordination with fellow armies in neighbouring countries." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Burkina Faso: At least 20 killed, dozens injured in jihadist attack

West African countries convened a summit for Thursday to discuss the Niger junta's rejection of an order to restore the ousted president, raising expectations throughout the world for a peaceful conclusion. The leaders of the July 26 coup were warned by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to disband by Sunday or risk military intervention, but the junta instead shut down Niger's airspace and vowed to defend the nation.

Niger Coup Aftermath: West African bloc to meet after Niger defies coup ultimatum

Niger Coup is drawing attention worldwide. All eyes are on the next move by West African leaders. As the deadline has expired to reinstate the ousted President.The deadline for the threat of force involving troops from the ECOWAS was August 6.

Niger coup: How did ECOWAS act on threats before as deadline ends to reinstate President?

Niger Coup is an 'eye-opening' event. The event put forth the West’s failing policy in the Sahel, The coup in Niger was the seventh in West & Central Africa in the last three years.

Why is Niger coup a testament to the West’s failing policy in the Sahel?

As political turmoil continues in Niger and western countries evacuate their citizens, there are fears in the western block that they could lose their key ally in Africa to Russia. Western countries see Niger as a bulwark against Islamist insurgency in the region.

Is Niger the new battleground for West & Russia, as protests spread against foreign intervention?

Chinese military schools have long been a hub for African leaders from the current presidents of Eritrea and Zimbabwe, 10 Defence Chiefs, eight Defence ministers to Army Chiefs all the big names are Testament to China has become a major destination for African professional military education.

China attracts thousands of African officers for training

Africa is often dubbed the crucible of life. Scientists say that first humans evolved here and then spread to different parts of the world. Given its central importance in the birth and development of humankind, the continent should have been one of the most important regions in the world. But colonialism, fighting between African nations, big power politics and exploitation of its natural resources have made it one of the poorest regions in the world. The conflicts and geopolitical realities in Africa still assume a certain secondary position when it comes to global news.

But recent military coups, jihadist insurgency and more have compelled everyone to focus their gaze on the African continent, particularly on the Sahel region.

<h2>Where exactly is Sahel?</h2>

<img alt="Sahel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ae848b1-0863-4206-9dcc-6d70ef29264f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sahel.JPG" />

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

The word Sahel, or Sahil in Arabic means coast or shore. Sahel is the vast region that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea along Sahara desert's southern rim. Thus, Sahel region is wedged between Sahara desert in the north and tropical forests and the savannah to the south. This makes climate in the Sahel tropical semi-arid.

<h2>Speaking politics</h2>

 
There are several political definitions of the Sahel according to&nbsp;which the area&nbsp;comprises&nbsp;12 countries and houses 400 million people.&nbsp;However, countries like Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania form the core of the Sahel region. This group is also called the G5 Sahel.

Other political definitions include countries like Senegal, Nigeria, Sudan, South Sudan and Eritrea.

<h2>So what's the trouble exactly?</h2>

 
The Sahel region has vast stretches of inhospitable terrain. Geographical conditions make it especially difficult to control. Think of Sahel as the African equivalent of Afghanistan in the geographical sense where gaining total control is quite a task. The central Sahel is notoriously difficult to control. A certain power vacuum thus created has made the region a hunting ground for armed groups. The rebels and jihadists who hold sway in a particular swathe of land can roam freely, even ignoring international borders between the countries.&nbsp;

Jihadist violence erupted after a rebellion in northern Mali in 2012. The conflict has since spread to the centre of the country, as well as to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, claiming thousands of lives and displacing more than 3.5 million people.

Several anti-jihadist military operations were launched in Sahel, particularly by France which is a former colonial power in this region. The result of these operations has been mixed.

France's Operation Barkhane was launched in 2014. The aim was to combat and prevent the spread of jihadist groups. The headquarters of the French forces were at&nbsp;N'Djamena, the capital of Chad.

French forces tasted success in earlier Operation Serval during which they gained control of half of Mali from the insurgents. Operation Barkhane was launched to build upon the initial success. The scope of the operation was expanded to the Sahel region rather than just Mali.

A coup in Mali in 2021 proved to be disruptive to French operations. The military junta ruling Mali was against French presence. French President Emmanuel Macron announced in June 2021 that France will pull out its troops in a phased manner. In November 2022, Macron announced that Operation Barkhane had formally ended.

Opposition to the French presence in the Sahel is often said to be one of the main reasons for the failure of French operations. France is often described as a 'waning power' in Africa. It has also been seen that Russia has opposed French forces in Africa through its proxies.

<h2>Effects of Climate Change</h2>

 
Countries in the Sahel region have a large percentage of the population under the poverty line. To add to the people's hardships, global warming is around 50 per cent greater in the Sahel. The region has suffered the worst drought anywhere on the planet.

All of these factors have resulted in devastating consequences. There has been a staggering 90 per cent decline in the surface of Lake Chad in the past 40 years. Efforts are being taken to stop the loss of the main source of fresh water to 40 million people across four countries.

<h2>Why is Sahel in news now?</h2>

 
In 2020, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the Sahel as a "microcosm of cascading global risks converging in one region."

The region, which has been a stage for conflict between big global powers, has seen three coups in three countries in a span of three years.

In 2021, the Malian coup took place just months after a previous military takeover. In 2021, the Malian Army, led by Vice President Assimi Goita, captured President Bah N'daw along with Prime Minister Moctar Ouane. Goita announced that both, N'daw and Ouane were stripped of power.&nbsp;

A coup in another Sahel country, Burkina Faso followed in 2022. In the month of January, the Burkina Faso military deposed President Roch Marc Christian Kabore. The coup was led by military officer Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba.

Now, the president of another Sahel country was detained by the military. Deposing Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, presidential guard commander General Abdourahamane Tchiani declared himself the leader of a new military junta.

In a sign that the situation in the region was deteriorating, on August 1&nbsp;military juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso declared that any plan to intervene militarily in Niger would be construed as a 'declaration of war' against both countries. Mali and Burkina Faso said this in a joint statement. 
&nbsp;

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Africa is often dubbed the crucible of life. Scientists say that first humans evolved here and then spread to different parts of the world. Given its central importance in the birth and development of humankind, the continent should have been one of the most important regions in the world.

Africa is often dubbed the crucible of life. Scientists say that first humans evolved here and then spread to different parts of the world. Given its central importance in the birth and development of humankind, the continent should have been one of the most important regions in the world. But colonialism, fighting between African nations, big power politics and exploitation of its natural resources have made it one of the poorest regions in the world. The conflicts and geopolitical realities in Africa still assume a certain secondary position when it comes to global news. But recent military coups, jihadist insurgency and more have compelled everyone to focus their gaze on the African continent, particularly on the Sahel region. Where exactly is Sahel? (Source: Wikimedia Commons) The word Sahel, or Sahil in Arabic means coast or shore. Sahel is the vast region that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea along Sahara desert's southern rim. Thus, Sahel region is wedged between Sahara desert in the north and tropical forests and the savannah to the south. This makes climate in the Sahel tropical semi-arid. Speaking politics There are several political definitions of the Sahel according to which the area comprises 12 countries and houses 400 million people. However, countries like Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania form the core of the Sahel region. This group is also called the G5 Sahel. Other political definitions include countries like Senegal, Nigeria, Sudan, South Sudan and Eritrea. So what's the trouble exactly? The Sahel region has vast stretches of inhospitable terrain. Geographical conditions make it especially difficult to control. Think of Sahel as the African equivalent of Afghanistan in the geographical sense where gaining total control is quite a task. The central Sahel is notoriously difficult to control. A certain power vacuum thus created has made the region a hunting ground for armed groups. The rebels and jihadists who hold sway in a particular swathe of land can roam freely, even ignoring international borders between the countries. Jihadist violence erupted after a rebellion in northern Mali in 2012. The conflict has since spread to the centre of the country, as well as to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, claiming thousands of lives and displacing more than 3.5 million people. Several anti-jihadist military operations were launched in Sahel, particularly by France which is a former colonial power in this region. The result of these operations has been mixed. France's Operation Barkhane was launched in 2014. The aim was to combat and prevent the spread of jihadist groups. The headquarters of the French forces were at N'Djamena, the capital of Chad. French forces tasted success in earlier Operation Serval during which they gained control of half of Mali from the insurgents. Operation Barkhane was launched to build upon the initial success. The scope of the operation was expanded to the Sahel region rather than just Mali. A coup in Mali in 2021 proved to be disruptive to French operations. The military junta ruling Mali was against French presence. French President Emmanuel Macron announced in June 2021 that France will pull out its troops in a phased manner. In November 2022, Macron announced that Operation Barkhane had formally ended. Opposition to the French presence in the Sahel is often said to be one of the main reasons for the failure of French operations. France is often described as a 'waning power' in Africa. It has also been seen that Russia has opposed French forces in Africa through its proxies. Effects of Climate Change Countries in the Sahel region have a large percentage of the population under the poverty line. To add to the people's hardships, global warming is around 50 per cent greater in the Sahel. The region has suffered the worst drought anywhere on the planet. All of these factors have resulted in devastating consequences. There has been a staggering 90 per cent decline in the surface of Lake Chad in the past 40 years. Efforts are being taken to stop the loss of the main source of fresh water to 40 million people across four countries. Why is Sahel in news now? In 2020, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the Sahel as a "microcosm of cascading global risks converging in one region." The region, which has been a stage for conflict between big global powers, has seen three coups in three countries in a span of three years. In 2021, the Malian coup took place just months after a previous military takeover. In 2021, the Malian Army, led by Vice President Assimi Goita, captured President Bah N'daw along with Prime Minister Moctar Ouane. Goita announced that both, N'daw and Ouane were stripped of power. A coup in another Sahel country, Burkina Faso followed in 2022. In the month of January, the Burkina Faso military deposed President Roch Marc Christian Kabore. The coup was led by military officer Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba. Now, the president of another Sahel country was detained by the military. Deposing Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, presidential guard commander General Abdourahamane Tchiani declared himself the leader of a new military junta. In a sign that the situation in the region was deteriorating, on August 1 military juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso declared that any plan to intervene militarily in Niger would be construed as a 'declaration of war' against both countries. Mali and Burkina Faso said this in a joint statement. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Explained | Where is Sahel region exactly and what's the trouble there

Niger remains on the edge days after a military coup shook the African nation. The ousted President Bazoum met with Chad's President.

France to evacuate citizens from Niger | Ousted Niger President meets Chad's President | WION

West African Regional bloc ECOWAS issued an ultimatum of one week to the military junta that took power in Niger earlier this week to return the country to constitutional normality. Similar scenes had played out in Mali and Burkina Faso, two of Niger’s neighbours, in recent years. A so-called “coup belt” of countries run by juntas and racked by conflict now stretches all the way from Mali in the west through the Central African Republic and Sudan in the east. Despite sanctions from regional blocs, what can save this region from further turmoil? WION's Eric Njoka talks to Dr. Oluwole Ojewale, security expert and regional coordinator for Central Africa at the institute for security studies in Dakar, Senegal.

Niger upheaval extends coup belt across Sahel

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