The Sahel Crisis
The Sahel region has been variously described as a “one region, many problems.” The myriad of challenges affecting the countries in this part of Africa accounts for the description. A combination of factors such as drought, food insecurity and chronic malnutrition, drug trafficking, and the emergence of terrorist groups and continued conflicts causes instability in the region (Zyck & Muggah, 2013). Other problems include low agricultural production and high food prices, which call for humanitarian aid in the area to save the lives of many (Zyck & Muggah, 2013). The area also experiences instability caused by perennial conflicts emerging from political competitions that are primarily dominated by ethnic, territorial, sectarian, interstate, and local dispositions and affiliations (Zyck & Muggah, 2013).
To restore stability in the region, an integrated approach to stabilization of the Sahel would be necessary. The problems are multi-faceted hence the need for a consorted approach to mitigate the different unique issues. All the stability functions outlined in JP 3-07, security, foreign humanitarian assistance, economic stabilization and infrastructure, the rule of law, governance and participation, and justice and reconciliation (Staff, 2011), can heal different facets of the region’s problems. Humanitarian aid can provide an immediate solution to food and malnutrition problems. Still, it is economic stabilization and infrastructure that has the potential of providing a lasting solution to these problems. Additionally, while military intervention can help provide peace in the area, governance and participation, justice and reconciliation, and the observance of the rule of law as functions that can offer more permanent solutions.
From the problems and challenges of the Sahel identified above, two lines of effort can be developed. One of the lines of effort to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid is to enhance the coordination of the regional and international partners. Additionally, improving the states’ legitimacy by encouraging good governance and participation to ensure cohesiveness and unity.