German policy towards Sahel will be cautious

Significance

Like France, Germany is now partnering with Niger, but it continues to avoid combat roles, helping to keep its political risks in the region fairly low. Meanwhile, Berlin does not have the same level of tensions with the Malian junta that Paris does, allowing Germany a greater level of continuity in its Sahel policy for now.

Impacts

• Growing German involvement may bring Berlin under Sahelian criticism alongside Paris.
• The Malian deployments will affect debates in Germany about the value of overseas missions.
• Instability in Niger could trigger European disengagement from the Sahel.