Security Studies In The African Sahel Since The Middle East Upheaval

Ever since the outbreak of Arab Spring in 2011,North Africa has fallen into a serious political turmoil.On the one hand,the turbulent situation forced Tuareg people in North Africa to return back to their hometown in Sahara-Sahel region and join the long-standing Tuareg rebellion movement.On the other hand,the political turmoil in North Africa also facilitates the spreading of terrorism and extremism in the North Africa and cross the entire continent,resulting in the increase of extremist violence in great scale.Meanwhile,against the backdrop of climate change,the scarcity of natural resources,the deficiency of governance and historical hostility,together with activities by the government,the rebellion groups and extremist groups,aggravate the herd-farmer conflicts in the Sahel region.Ethnic conflicts and terrorism have now become the major threats to the security of Sahel region.Ethnic conflicts in the form of secessionism and herd-farmer conflicts become increasingly violent.Meanwhile,religious extremist groups exploit the complicated ethnic relations in this area for the sake of surviving and expanding.The loose border control and rampant illicit economic activities also provide favorable environment for the development of the extremist groups.Mali and the Mali-Niger-Burkina Faso bordering area,as well as the Chad Lake region has now become the hotspots of extremist violence.The security governance in Sahel region requires internal and external efforts.Nation-state building and inclusive development are fundamental means for eradicating security threats in this area.Efforts addressing the crises in Sahel region should extend from security and military measures to broader political and socio-economic involvement.Resolving the crises in the Sahel region demands a wholist strategy.