G5 Sahel Was 'France's Instrument to Better Control Countries' of Region, Activist Says
18:20 07.12.2023 (Updated: 18:24 07.12.2023)
© AFP 2023 Stephane de Sakutin
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On Wednesday, Chad and Mauritania said in a statement that they were planning steps to the dissolution of the Sahel Five (G5) regional grouping. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger had previously withdrawn from all bodies of the bloc aimed, among other things, at fighting terrorism and enhancing security in the region.
The G5 Sahel, whose dissolution was announced by Mauritania and Chad, was only a French instrument of influence and did not really help fight terrorism, Abdoulaye Nabaloum, founder of the Actions for the Sovereignty of Peoples association, explained to Sputnik.
"The G5 Sahel has been one of France's instruments to better control the countries. This did not give a suitable response to terrorism. Mali withdrew to emancipate itself. Burkina followed suit, also noting Paris' inability to be able to provide answers to terrorism," he said.
The security situation has also improved after the withdrawal of French troops in the region, the pan-African activist emphasized. In recent months, Paris has had to deal with popular resentment against the presence of its armed forces, which has led to a complete withdrawal from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
Credible Alternative
The likely dissolution of the G5 Sahel now leaves the field open to other initiatives to secure the region. The Alliance of Sahel States, uniting Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, could succeed in particular where the G5 Sahel failed, according to Abdoulaye Nabaloum.
"The Alliance's Charter is built around security issues. It is necessary to see how these three countries can pool their defense and security forces to combat terrorism. This is what the G5 Sahel had the mission to do but did not," he explained.
The military partnerships forged with Russia can also provide adapted solutions, the activist noted. These collaborations have already led "to results showing that terrorism is receding," he said.
In mid-November, the Malian army announced in particular that it had recaptured the city of Kidal, a former stronghold of several rebel groups. Burkina Faso and Niger have reportedly sent equipment to support their neighbor's efforts in this reconquest.
