What is the G5 Sahel? G5 shanel framework cooperation improves security!

Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Mauritania have created this framework for cooperation to improve security and development in this vast semi-desert region where jihadist groups have spread. Six years after its creation, the challenges to be met are still numerous.

In the Sahel, the jihadist threat is still very present and has inflicted heavy losses on the armies fighting it in recent months. Last Thursday, Niger suffered the worst attack in its history with 89 soldiers killed in Chinégodar, in the west of the country, a month after that of Inates, in the same region, which had claimed the lives of 71 of its soldiers .

In this tense context, Emmanuel Macron gathered in Pau on Monday the five countries of the "G5 Sahel" to review the military strategy in the region, but also "relegitimize" the French presence there and mobilize more international allies, especially European. Explanations.

G5 shanel framework cooperation improves security

1. What are the missions of the G5 Sahel?

Created in 2014, the “G5 Sahel” is a framework for cooperation between five countries, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Mauritania, both on security and development.

In this vast semi-desert region surrounded by poorly controlled borders, jihadist groups began to swarm in 2012. To fight them, but also fight against organized crime and trafficking in human beings, the G5 Sahel officially launched in 2017 a cross-border “joint force”.

The challenge is significant: cover a vast strip of 50 kilometers on either side of the borders, in particular in Liptako Gourma, the region of the three borders (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger), where the majority of attacks are now concentrated. .

On the development side, the G5 Sahel oversees 40 regional projects, intended to improve infrastructure and access to resources, at a total cost of 2.4 billion euros. To these projects are added those of the Sahel Alliance, which brings together the European Union and several member states, including France and Germany, as well as institutions such as the African Development Bank and the United Nations Program Development. In total, 12 donors who finance more than 600 projects in the area, for a total amount of 9 billion euros.

2. Who supports the joint force of the G5 Sahel?

Tactically, it benefits mainly from the support of France, with the 4,500 soldiers of Operation Barkhane, the largest external operation of the French army launched in 2014. France provides vehicles, equipment, advice and training to the armies of the five Sahelian countries.

The UN is also present in Mali to try to pacify the country via one of its most important missions, the United Nations Mission in Mali (Minusma). Deployed in 2013, this peacekeeping mission (therefore excluding any offensive operation) has around 13,000 peacekeepers. A 2017 resolution provides that it provides operational and logistical support to the joint force.

Finally, the Malian army has also benefited from the support of the European Union since 2013, via the European Training Mission of the Malian Army (EUTM Mali), which has around 600 European soldiers.

3. What challenges to take up?

Monday's summit in Pau is "an opportunity to put everything back on track!" ", Headlines the Malian daily" Les Echos ". There are indeed many challenges for the G5 Sahel.

It must already ramp up to the 5,000 men expected in the long term, while it is hampered by organizational and funding problems. Only 300 million euros out of the 400 promised by the international community were actually contributed last year, according to the French presidency.

It also needs to mobilize beyond France. Nigerian President Mahamadou Issoufou said he was determined to launch "an appeal for international solidarity".

Finally, Paris is especially keen to curb the rise of anti-French movements there. Denouncing this phenomenon in December, Emmanuel Macron had mentioned for the first time a possible French withdrawal from the region.