Sahel dynamics foster illicit economies

Subject

The social, economic and political dynamics of borders in the Sahel and with neighbouring regions.

Significance

The Sahel and Sahara are sometimes characterised as 'ungoverned spaces' ripe for exploitation by armed groups involved in smuggling, trafficking and terrorism. Such blunt characterisations tend to be used as part of justifications for interventionist security and aid programmes. However, the reality is more nuanced, with local factors insufficiently understood to enable positive development change.

Impacts

• The new administration in Nigeria has stated its intention to focus more economic assistance on its neglected north-east.
• However, neighbouring countries (Niger, Cameroon and Chad) will continue to treat their borderlands as security problems.
• The lack of administrative capacity and trust in the state in the peripheries may harm counter-terrorism efforts.