The Security-Development Nexus in the EU’s Policies Towards the Sahel - A Critical Appraisal of the Malian Case

This is an open-access publication.

The Sahel has become a focal point of EU foreign policy, particularly following Mali’s security crisis since 2012. This analysis critically examines European policies in Mali, highlighting their limitations and weaknesses. Rooted in systemic limits of the EU’s external actions and its colonial ties with Africa, these shortcomings stem from an overemphasis on security and migration, neglecting Mali’s deep social and ethnic imbalances. Consequently, EU policies and activities in the region have prioritized short-term fixes over structural solutions. Furthermore, recent political shifts, including military coups, underscore the need to reassess Brussels’ ineffective strategies and the evolving diplomatic landscape in the Sahel.