The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, underscored this week that improvisation must be avoided and private mercenaries rejected when addressing the root causes of terrorism across the Sahel. He stressed that any durable response hinges on reducing the underlying drivers of violence, including the absence of essential public services, weak legal institutions, and gaps in governance that allow extremist actors to gain traction. The message was clear: military steps alone cannot secure lasting peace in the region without a parallel effort to build resilient, legitimate institutions and deliver basic services to vulnerable communities.
Borrell highlighted that the surge in terrorist incidents in the Sahel over recent months reflects a broader failing strategy that relies predominantly on force. Sustainable progress requires a comprehensive approach where hard security measures are paired with inclusive political processes and practical aid that benefits the most affected populations. He pointed to the need for credible political transitions and authorities whose legitimacy is rooted in democratic processes, a strategy designed to endure beyond immediate crises and withstand future shocks. The EU’s stance, he noted, is that security gains must be accompanied by governance reforms and social investments that reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies.
In a candid assessment, Borrell warned against excluding international coordination or resorting to a security-first model that relies on private military contractors. Such a path, he argued, would undermine long-term stability and aggravate local resentment. The European Union emphasizes a coordinated, multi-dimensional response that integrates security, development, and governance to address the complex dynamics at play in the Sahel. The goal is to create a stable environment where legitimate institutions can operate effectively, deliver basic services, and actively involve communities in peacebuilding efforts. (Citation: European External Action Service)
According to the head of European diplomacy, the destabilization driven by terrorism in the Sahel poses a direct threat not only to regional security but to broader regional cooperation, including economic flows, legal order, and cross-border mobility. The EU has consistently advocated for a holistic strategy that aligns security objectives with efforts to combat poverty, improve public health and education, strengthen rule of law, and support transparent, accountable governance. By fostering credible governance and rule of law, the EU believes it is possible to reduce the vulnerabilities that extremists exploit and to promote a climate in which communities have confidence in public institutions and the state’s capacity to protect them. The overarching aim is a long-term roadmap that builds resilience, supports legitimate political authority, and ensures sustainable development across Sahelian nations. (Citation: European External Action Service)