OVERHAULING THE EU POLICY IN THE SAHEL: TOWARDS MORE COMPREHENSIVE, RESPONSIVE POLICIES OR OLD WINE IN NEW BOTTLES?

The EU's Sahel strategy was formulated in accordance with the EU's holistic approach, emphasizing the interconnectivity of security, development, and governance. This paper seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the EU's Sahel strategy and its alignment with established goals. Thus, the initial Sahel strategy was introduced by the EU in 2011, subsequently fortified by the 2015-2020 regional action plan. These two documents delineate the fundamental pillars that form the basis of the EU's involvement in the Sahel region. The EU's involvement encompasses a multifaceted approach aimed at promoting security, development, and cooperation in the Sahel. This includes initiatives to counter terrorism and extremism, enhance governance and rule of law, promote sustainable development, and strengthen regional partnerships. However, the European Union's strategy toward the Sahel region encounters substantial challenges across various dimensions. In addition, evaluations suggest that a timely and comprehensive reassessment of the EU's Sahel policy is essential to achieve its intended objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]