Alexandra Heldt
Contributions
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Islamism on the rise in West Africa: For the first time, even stable states are under threat
Since the withdrawal of international missions from the Sahel, attention for the region has also declined. The West seems to have lost control of the situation.
Jihadist groups are now increasingly dominating events in the landlocked states from Chad to the three states that make up the Alliance of the Sahel (AES): Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
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15 years of liberal human rights work in West Africa
The right of every human being to dignity, freedom and equality is paramount in the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It forms the cornerstone of German commitment abroad and the work of German political foundations worldwide. In cooperation with civil society, legal institutions and human rights activists, measures are offered to raise awareness, educate, train and empower, focussing on universal human rights and the fight for their observance.
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Cooperation, but not at any price
Berlin and West Africa are engaged in lively diplomatic exchanges. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is traveling to Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire, while the German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, will host 18 Sahel Alliance members in Berlin. Germany is extending diplomatic efforts while withdrawing militarily; last week, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced the unexpected withdrawal of the remaining German troop contingent from Niger.
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Storm in the Sahel: geopolitical tensions, ECOWAS in crisis and the German troop withdrawal
The sudden withdrawal of German soldiers from Niger marks a phase of uncertainty and change in West Africa. While geopolitical alliances are being reorganised, questions are being asked about the future of ECOWAS and the long-term stability of the region.
