The Changing Nature of Security Threats in the Central Sahel Region: The Rise of Self-Defense Groups and Private Security Companies

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.