The Tactics Institute urgently calls upon all concerned parties to take immediate and decisive action to address the escalating issue of drug trafficking in the Sahel region. This illegal activity not only undermines regional security but also jeopardizes economic development, the rule of law, and public health, posing a severe threat to peace and stability across West and Central Africa.
The situation in the Sahel is becoming increasingly dire, as highlighted by a recent report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Drug trafficking is deeply entrenched in the region, creating a vicious cycle of instability and lawlessness. The influx of drugs, particularly cannabis resin, cocaine, and pharmaceutical opioids, has surged dramatically, with seizures of cocaine skyrocketing from an average of 13 kg per year between 2015 and 2020 to an alarming 1,466 kg in 2022. This exponential increase indicates the presence of large-scale cocaine trafficking operations.
The drug economy fuels conflict by providing financial resources to armed groups, including Plateforme des mouvements du 14 juin 2014 d’Alger in Algeria and Coordination des Mouvements de l’Azawad in Mali. These groups use drug revenue to purchase weapons and sustain their involvement in ongoing conflicts, further destabilizing the region. The weak rule of law facilitates this cycle, allowing drug trafficking to flourish and perpetuating violence and instability.
The Tactics Institute demands that all regional and international stakeholders take urgent, coordinated, and comprehensive action to dismantle drug trafficking networks in the Sahel. The continued proliferation of illicit drugs and the accompanying violence not only violate international laws but also contravene fundamental human rights, depriving the people of the Sahel of safety, security, and a stable future.
The international community must also bolster its commitment to the UN Joint Appeal for Counter-Terrorism in Africa, supporting the 10 new multi-partner initiatives aimed at addressing critical areas such as border management and counter-terrorism travel.
The Tactics Institute calls on all belligerents to cease their involvement in drug trafficking immediately and urges the international community to intensify efforts to restore peace and stability in the Sahel. The future of the region and the well-being of its people depend on swift and decisive action.
