African Talks: Sahel at a Crossroads, Exploring the Pathways Ahead

Online, 12/12/2024

Online Event
12 December 2024, 17:00 – 18:30 CET

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Sahel at a Crossroads: Exploring the Pathways Ahead
The Sahel is at a critical juncture. The coups in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, and Niger have marked a drastic turn towards militarism and authoritarianism, increasing the burden on civilians and amplifying violence and the displacement crisis. This authoritarian trend has also triggered a significant geopolitical realignment. The new juntas have fostered closer ties with Russia, while deliberately distancing themselves from traditional Western and regional partners. The mounting crisis has left Italy, as well as the European Union and many other Western countries, disoriented, while grappling with the challenge of balancing strategic interests with their commitment to democratic values.

Against this backdrop of uncertainty and volatility, the Sahel’s trajectory raises urgent questions about the future of governance, regional stability, and the role of external actors. As part of the African Talks series, this webinar aims to explore the pathways ahead by addressing key questions: How can the burden on civilians be alleviated, and what steps can be taken to foster a less fragmented and conflict-prone political landscape? What role should ECOWAS and other African countries play in addressing these challenges? How can the European Union adapt its approach in the region? And what specific contributions can Italy make?

Moderators:

•Meraf Villani, Associate Researcher – Luiss School of Government, Mediterranean Platform.

Speakers:

• Jesutimilehin O. Akamo, Research Coordinator – Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS).
• Carlo Palleschi, Associate Researcher – Luiss School of Government, Mediterranean Platform.