Insecurity in the Sahel Region: Former Nigerian Head of State Identifies Contributing Factors
A recent annual lecture by the News Agency of Nigeria highlighted the persisting security challenges in the Sahel region. Former Nigerian Head of State, Retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, chairing the inaugural event, emphasized the complexity of the issue. In his remarks, Abubakar identified several contributory factors, including poverty, unemployment, and weak governance.
The security landscape in the Sahel is characterized by poverty, with many regions plagued by lack of employment opportunities and scarce resources. Abubakar explained that poverty has created fertile ground for insecurity to thrive, fuelling the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
"We must work together to fight insecurity because we owe our children, the future generation, the duty to create a secured nation," he urged. Abubakar highlighted the importance of addressing these underlying causes to mitigate the devastating impacts on the region’s development.
The situation is grim, with numerous lives lost to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violence. In 2020 alone, a staggering 4,660 people were killed in the region, and 2,600 lost their lives to banditry attacks in 2021.
To combat insecurity, Abubakar encouraged a collective effort by all stakeholders. He advocated for identifying root causes and developing sustainable solutions. He also commended the organization of the lecture, highlighting its potential to elicit thought-provoking and productive responses.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, this event brings renewed focus on the intricate issues plaguing the Sahel. Addressing insecurity demands a holistic approach that takes into account the socioeconomic, environmental, and institutional challenges.
Through open public discourse and stakeholder collaborations, Abubakar expressed confidence in the collective capacity to address the ongoing crises and forge a secure future for generations to come.
