From coups and climate change to food insecurity and a rise in violent extremism, the Sahel region of Africa is facing a number of complex and interconnected threats to regional security. Emanuela Del Re, the EU special representative for the Sahel, discusses how Africa’s partners can help address these issues, the importance of international collaboration that’s rooted in equality, and the roles of the EU-Africa Summit and U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in developing a path toward peace and stability in the Sahel.

Related Publications

The Latest @ USIP: Preventing Conflict Over Critical Minerals

The Latest @ USIP: Preventing Conflict Over Critical Minerals

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Critical minerals underpin the world economy, powering everything from batteries and computers to the global energy transition. But, as a new USIP senior study group report reveals, competition over securing critical mineral supply lines can also upend stability and security in developing countries. Ambassador Dave Miller, president of the U.S. Diplomatic Studies Foundation, discusses how peace games offer U.S. and international policymakers a chance to practice strategies for preventing conflict — a skillset that will only become more valuable as demand for critical minerals increases.

Type: Blog

EnvironmentEconomics

How ‘Traumatic Decarbonization’ Can Impact Political Stability and Peace

How ‘Traumatic Decarbonization’ Can Impact Political Stability and Peace

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

The process of decarbonization — that is, the replacement of fossil fuels with non-hydrocarbon-based forms of energy — is essential for the world to meet its climate goals. But in many fragile oil-producing states, hydrocarbon revenues are not just central to national economies. They also bind together the political system through elite revenue-sharing pacts. The rapid, unplanned decarbonization of these countries would spark political crisis, a process known as “traumatic decarbonization.”

Type: Question and Answer

EnvironmentFragility & Resilience

Critical Minerals in Africa: Strengthening Security, Supporting Development, and Reducing Conflict amid Geopolitical Competition

Critical Minerals in Africa: Strengthening Security, Supporting Development, and Reducing Conflict amid Geopolitical Competition

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

The United States Institute of Peace convened a senior study group to explore the role Africa plays in the United States’ efforts to diversify US critical mineral supply chains and how new investment in partnerships with African countries could help drive economic development and strengthen peace and security on the African continent. Based on meetings and interviews with relevant technical, operational, and policy experts, the study group developed multiple recommendations for the United States to support mutually beneficial public and private partnerships with African nations.

Type: Report

EconomicsEnvironmentGlobal Policy

View All Publications