Violence, Poverty and the Global Security Dilemma in the Sahel Region

Abstract

The Sahel region, stretching from Senegal to Sudan, is caught in a spiral of chronic poverty, ethnic and religious tensions, and pervasive armed violence, despite its vast reserves of oil, gold, uranium, and other natural resources. The interests of Western states and multinational corporations in these resources intersect with local dynamics, helping to sustain conflict. This study aims to analyse, within a theoretical framework, how climate change, rapid population growth, rural–urban inequalities, failed state structures and governance crises generate instability in the Sahel. It employs a qualitative approach based on recent academic literature, reports of international organisations and policy documents. Findings indicate that oil, gold and uranium revenues in peripheral areas beyond effective state control finance jihadist organisations and local militias. Western actors’ exploitative interventions further entrench this chaotic environment. Violence and humanitarian crises in the Sahel undermine the stability of neighbouring countries, fuelling irregular migration and terrorism. In conclusion, it is argued that poverty and conflict in the region are driven less by internal dynamics than by the interest-driven manipulation of external actors, and that comprehensive, security-and-development-oriented support from the UN and AU is urgently needed.