Turmoil in the Sahel region of Africa is threatening to cause wider fallout, with more than six coups since 2020. Both in terms of migration toward Europe and in terms of larger geopolitical shifts, the Sahel is becoming increasingly important. Hungary’s interest in the region might not seem obvious, with no connection to the region’s colonial past and slender though not insignificant economic ties. But what happens in the Sahel has much broader repercussions.
After multiple coups in Mali and Burkina Faso in recent years, Niger suffered a coup this summer against its U.S.-backed president followed by a coup in Gabon. In total, almost three million people have become refugees or been displaced. Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea have all experienced a deterioration of their relationship with France. With that in mind, we offer these “Five Facts” concerning the Sahel and Hungary’s interests there.
As the sub-Saharan epicenter of governance failures, fragile state structures, extremism and violence, the Sahel has been the scene of a series of coups over the past three years that have created a 3,500-mile coast-to-coast corridor, the longest military-dominated corridor in the world.
Addressing current challenges in the Sahel region requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach, involving governments, regional organizations, international partners, and local communities. Key strategies include improving security, promoting sustainable development, enhancing governance and rule of law, and investing in education and healthcare.
The experience of the Sahel so far shows that one of the main characteristics of countries facing violent extremism and military coups is a disillusioned youth who see little chance of breaking out of the constraints of the education system and economic and power structures. One only has to look at the Sahel’s coup leaders so far, most of whom were young officers in their thirties and forties – supported by even younger people (both military and civilian). Hence, the question of the youth in terms of education, employment, political participation and civic engagement is of pivotal importance.
The Hungarian government is aware of the strategic importance of the Sahel and understands that the region faces a complex set of interconnected challenges. An outspoken aim is therefore to put a particular emphasis on addressing these issues, now – as well as during the Hungarian EU presidency.
With Chad being left as the last stable country of the Sahel, Hungary is trying to provide help where most needed. Currently this means easing the burden of the Chadian authorities and society by providing help to the Sudanese refugee camps after the large influx of refugees earlier this year. In addition to the 580,000 refugees already in Chad, over 300,000 people have fled the turmoil in Sudan this year in search of safety. Hungary is at present also working on the spot to establish a mission to support Chadian medical doctors in their important work of healing and saving lives.
Written by Hanga Horváth-Sántha.