The Sahel and the UN: a smaller footprint, a different role
As UNGA 81 begins, the UN faces a changing Sahel demanding greater sovereignty.
![Mali’s Assimi Goita, Niger’s General Abdourahamane Tiani and Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traore are united by a push for greater sovereignty and strategic autonomy [Mahamadou Hamidou/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-06T181508Z_1249496886_RC2PP8AXR1TZ_RTRMADP_3_WESTAFRICA-SECURITY-SAHEL-1720621774.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![Security cooperation in the Sahel has become increasingly fragmented as regional governments pursue different approaches to fighting armed groups [Philippe Desmazes/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/000_Par8191835.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![Captain Ibrahim Traore has emerged as a prominent figure in Africa’s debate over sovereignty, security and the future of military-led governments [Mali Government Information Center via AP]](/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AP25357459450133-1767178831.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![Captain Ibrahim Traore’s relationship with Muslim leaders has come under strain as his government tightens control over religious affairs. [File: Stanislav Krasilnikov/RIA Novosti via AP]](/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ap_68b6dc86197ff-1756814470.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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Burkina Faso authorities accused of secretly detaining prominent journalist
RSF says investigation found Atiana Serge Oulon held at Ouagadougou villa, contradicting authorities’ account.
‘We saw terrible things’: Mali refugees tell of atrocities amid attacks
Thousands of Malians have been forced to flee their country as several groups, including the army, assault them.
![A Malian refugee now willing to the identified sits in his tent in Dounkara village, Mauritania [Shola Lawal/Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/P1040667-1776903867.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
EXPLAINER
What role has Russia played in Mali’s security and the Sahel region?
Russia, which has been making inroads into the Sahel through defence partnerships, now faces scrutiny.
Burkina Faso dissolves more than 100 NGOs and civil society groups
Amnesty International calls the latest Traore government crackdown a ‘flagrant attack’ on basic rights.
‘Forget democracy’ says Burkina Faso’s military leader Ibrahim Traore
Traore reneged on promises to hold elections and has since scrapped political parties in the country.
Burkina Faso military, allies committing ‘horrific’ civilian abuses: HRW
More than 1,800 civilians have been killed by the army and armed groups since 2023, Human Rights Watch says.
EXPLAINER
West African regional army: Why thousands of soldiers are deploying
How will strained ties between ECOWAS and neighbours Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso affect the fight against armed groups?
Are ‘low-cost, high-impact’ drones making Sahel fighters tougher to beat?
Experts say ISIL and al-Qaeda-linked groups use drones to target army positions with IEDs and to gather intelligence.
EXPLAINER
Why has Burkina Faso banned political parties, and what’s next?
It’s the latest of several measures that rights groups say are shrinking the civic space in the Sahel nation.
Burkina Faso’s military government dissolves political parties
Interior Minister says multiplication of political parties has fuelled divisions and weakened social cohesion.
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