
What drives conflicts in the African Sahel?
The African Sahel, a transitional region between the Sahara Desert to the north and the Sudanian savanna to the south, stretches across the continent from Senegal in the west to Chad and Sudan in the east. Despite its rich history and cultural diversity, the Sahel has become synonymous with instability and recurrent conflict. Understanding the underlying reasons for this challenging environment requires a deep dive into historical, socioeconomic, environmental, and political dynamics unique to the region.Background and Effects of ColonialismPrevious systems of rule, starting with pre-colonial empires such as the Mali and Songhai, shaped the intricate ethnic and cultural configuration…