The UK and the Sahel

The Sahel is one of the world's most complex and protracted development contexts. The region faces overlapping humanitarian, governance, security and climate challenges that have contributed to widespread displacement, food insecurity and declining development indicators. Armed conflict, violent extremism and organised crime continue to undermine state institutions and limit access to basic services across much of the region. This inquiry will examine the UK's development, humanitarian and stabilisation engagement in the Sahel. The inquiry will build on the Committee's recent inquiry into the UK's development partnership with Nigeria by examining the broader regional dynamics shaping development outcomes across West Africa. Given the Sahel's growing humanitarian needs, deteriorating security environment and increasing strategic importance to UK development and foreign policy, the region is likely to remain a significant focus of UK engagement for the foreseeable future.