Neglect of Sahel border regions will sustain smuggling

Subject

Smuggling in the Sahel.

Significance

Trade in and smuggling of cigarettes, drugs, fuel, gold, migrants, weapons and vehicles is extensive across the Sahel and with North African neighbours. These businesses are relatively lucrative in places that are otherwise underdeveloped and entail diverse interactions with local authorities, security forces and armed groups. In general, cross-border trade and smuggling occurs in regions peripheral to the centres of power in the countries concerned, and national authorities therefore have limited capacity to increase state regulation and control.

Impacts

• Despite the war, Libya is still richer than many neighbours, so it will keep attracting migrants.
• Clamping down on people smuggling has made it more dangerous and increased migrant deaths.
• Trade and smuggling flows within the Sahel and between the Sahel and North Africa will grow.