In the Sahel, light at the end of the tunnel

(BRUSSELS2) The book just published by GRIP — “Sahel: shedding light on the past to better shape the future” — is intended, above all, as a warning message: the Malian crisis could recur in each of the countries of the Sahel if nothing is done. You have to read it if you want to understand what happened and is still happening in these countries that have been forgotten for too long (*).

Under the direction of Bérengère Roupert, the authors – all researchers, with field experience – reflect on the nomadic populations of the Sahel, the entrenchment of state crime and Islamist movements in Mali. This journey begins with the Tuaregs of Niger, passes through the corrupt Malian state and an Algeria in search of influence to end with an original experience in Mauritania: repentance among the jihadists. Other chapters analyze American and European security policies. For each of the factors analyzed, the authors do not limit themselves to explanations but seek to show us the keys to a future of peace. The last chapter also reflects the essence of the book by seeking to answer the question posed by recent events: how to imagine living together again?

Hope despite everything

If the clientelist and corrupt system that reigned in the Mali of Amadou Toumani Touré, almost caused the loss of the country, Georges Berghezan sees light at the end of the tunnel. This corrupt model would have become a foil and the international community begins to open your eyes to this reality »And« condemned ". Among the Tuaregs of Niger, Frédéric Deycard identifies three factors that will determine the future:e trauma of a recent rebellion that left the North in a difficult situation; Niger's commitment to increased military and diplomatic collaboration with the West; the mutual agreement of the former rebels and the government in favor of peace ". In Mauritania, by questioning Islamic law, a public debate has taken place on the use of violence and its legitimacy in this specific type of war called jihad. " Probably the only way to long-term success,” on condition of recognizing in the Islamic sphere " its place in the space of national and international political enunciation”. 

Please note: The book will be presented at a conference, this Friday, October 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Embassy of Luxembourg (75 avenue de Cortenbergh, 1000 Brussels). Register before, Information: here

(*) "Sahel: shedding light on the past to better shape the future", edited by Bérangère Roupert, preface by Louis Michel, published by the Group for Research and Information on Peace and Security (GRIP), 134 p., 13,90 euros.