The Changing Nature of Security Threats in the Central Sahel Region: The Rise of Self-Defense Groups and Private Security Companies
The Wilson Center hosted a conversation on “The Changing Nature of Security Threats in the Central Sahel Region: The Rise of Self-Defense Groups and Private Security Companies” with Southern Voices Network for Peacebuilding scholar Ansoumane Samassy Souare on June 10, from 1–2 pm ET (US).
Overview
Multiple domestic and international interventions to address the proliferation of violent extremist groups in the Central Sahel region have yielded limited results. The states in the region, particularly Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have responded by creating or empowering existing community self-defense groups, as well as hiring private security companies often linked to foreign governments, such as Russia, to combat the growing insecurity.
Mr. Ansoumane Samassy Souare discussed how the activities of community self-defense groups and private security companies have evolved over the years in the Central Sahel region. He explained how the activities of these groups are impacting the peace and security landscape in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. His presentation also included policy recommendations to regional and international stakeholders on approaches to effectively engage the states in the region to combat violent extremism and address the drivers of insecurity.
Speakers
![SVNP Scholar](/sites/default/files/styles/square/public/media/uploads/images/11zon_cropped%20%281%29.png)
Ansoumane Samassy Souare
Program Officer, West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP)
![Tammy Palacios Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/square/public/media/uploads/images/11zon_cropped%20%2813%29.png)
Tammy Palacios
Hosted By
Africa Program
The Africa Program works to address the most critical issues facing Africa and US-Africa relations, build mutually beneficial US-Africa relations, and enhance knowledge and understanding about Africa in the United States. The Program achieves its mission through in-depth research and analyses, public discussion, working groups, and briefings that bring together policymakers, practitioners, and subject matter experts to analyze and offer practical options for tackling key challenges in Africa and in US-Africa relations. Read more
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