Developments and trends in West Africa and the Sahel

2.Since my last report (S/2018/649), the political situation in West Africa and the Sahel has remained stable despite significant security challenges, in particular in Burkina Faso, the Niger and Nigeria, with an increase in the cross-border activities of terrorist groups and a retreat of State authorities from peripheral zones  where populations  continue  to  live  precariously.  Countries  of  the  subregion  have  been working  together  to  address  the  complex  political,  security  and  development challenges at the root of the growing insecurity.

3.During the reporting period, a presidential election was held in Mali, regional and parliamentary elections in Mauritania and local elections in Côte d’Ivoire. The next cycle of electoral processes is causing simmering tensions across the region...Download here