Sahel: 1,574 Billion FCFA Pledged For Development Projects

Plagued by recurrent poverty, insecurity and famine, the Sahel region has over the years been fertile ground for violent extremism. But there is renewed hope that violence and terrorism in the area might soon belong to the past as those who are easily lured into terrorism will henceforth have alternative means of better livelihoods.

Meeting over the weekend in the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott, partners and the five member states of G5 Sahel - the institutional framework for regional coordination on development and security policies – pledged 2.4 billion Euros (1,574 billion FCFA) for 40 development projects from 2019-2021. Radio France International, RFI reported that the amount was well above the 1.9 billion Euros (1,246 billion FCFA) target by organisers. The projects are expected to help curb jihadist violence in G5 Sahel member countries.

The European Union pledged 800 million Euros (524.7 billion FCFA), while France offered 500 million Euros (327.9 billion FCFA) for development projects. Saudi Arabia donated 100 million Euros (65.5 billion FCFA) to the Priority Investment Programme in addition to 50 million Euros (32.7 billion FCFA) for the G5 Sahel anti-Jihadist joint force. These amounts are in addition to the 13 per cent provided by G5 Sahel member nations.

Amongst the retained projects are 9 for the construction and tarring of cross-border roads between Mali and Mauritania; Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, and Niger and Chad. “Feelings of injustice and lack of hope encourage the growth of terrorism and extremism,” said Mauritanian President, Moh...