French Troop Withdrawal and Counter-Terrorism In The Sahel: The Cases Of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, And Senegal

Abstract

The Sahel has experienced persistent terrorist threats, which have led to significant foreign military involvement, most notably by France through operations like Serval and Barkhane. The recent decision to withdraw French forces from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Senegal represents a major shift in the region’s security landscape. This study examined the implications of this development on counter-terrorism strategies in these countries. Specifically, it evaluated the impact of the French military exit on the ability of national and regional actors to combat terrorism and uphold stability. Using the historical method, the study traced the timeline of French intervention in the Sahel and analyzed the security consequences following their departure. The Dependency Theory served as the guiding framework, shedding light on how reliance on foreign military assistance has shaped regional security and the difficulties associated with building independent defense capacities. The study revealed that while some terrorist groups have gained confidence in the absence of French troops, the situation has also triggered renewed interest in regional collaboration, empowerment of domestic security agencies, and a stronger emphasis on self-reliant defense mechanisms. Nonetheless, limitations in resources, training, and operational synergy remain significant obstacles. The study concluded that enduring peace in the Sahel requires a shift toward African-led security solutions. It recommended among others that Sahelian states should strengthen regional security frameworks by leveraging ECOWAS and the African Union to coordinate intelligence-sharing, joint military training, and integrated counter-terrorism operations. This will reduce dependence on foreign powers and foster collective ownership of regional stability.