The European Union is being urged to rethink its approach to the Sahel after years of inconsistent policy and reduced engagement. Following military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the EU scaled back military missions, froze development aid, and downgraded diplomatic ties. This withdrawal weakened the EU’s influence in a region where extremist groups continue to gain ground. A new strategy is now being developed under João Cravinho, with a clear need for civilian protection to become its core focus.
Across the Sahel, civilians are experiencing escalating violence from both Islamist armed groups and government forces. In Mali, militants have tightened their grip by besieging Bamako and disrupting essential services. Burkina Faso’s counterinsurgency operations have led to mass civilian deaths, raising concerns about crimes against humanity. In Niger, attacks by the Islamic State have intensified, resulting in large-scale killings and the destruction of villages.
Alongside rising insecurity, civic space has rapidly closed. Media, opposition groups, and peaceful critics face repression, arbitrary detention, and even forced conscription. Mali has banned political parties, further diminishing democratic prospects. The ruling juntas have also distanced themselves from regional bodies and international institutions, amplifying anti-Western narratives and weakening cooperation mechanisms.
The EU now has a crucial opportunity to rebuild its credibility through a unified and principled strategy. This approach must ensure that protection of civilians is a non-negotiable expectation for all state forces and their allies. Support for victims—through humanitarian aid, healthcare, psychological assistance, and access to justice—should be prioritized. Strengthening accountability and independent oversight of security forces must form a central part of future partnerships.
Empowering civil society, journalists, and human rights defenders is equally vital to restoring pathways toward human rights and the rule of law. The EU’s role in the Sahel will be measured not only by its security interventions but also by its commitment to dignity, justice, and accountability. Grounding its renewed strategy in these principles is essential for meaningful progress and offers a message of hope to civilians who continue to suffer amid ongoing conflict.
