Introduction
The Sahel region includes many African countries and traverses the continent from west to east from Dakar to Djibouti. The region has faced the challenge of the proliferation of terrorist threats and organized crime. Various types of illicit trafficking, inter-ethnic tensions, and the severe impact of climate warming on access to resources are also destabilizing factors. According to Zyck and Muggah (2013), “long the site of chronic malnutrition and food insecurity, the Sahel is also now home to drug traffickers and terrorist groups” (p. 3). Thus, the population of this African region needs humanitarian assistance and effective stabilizing measures.
Main body
The primary stability functions, in this case, are security and humanitarian assistance. Researchers claim that the region has a high level of violence with different conflict actors, with high numbers of civilian casualties (Dowd & Raleigh, 2013). Accordingly, activities on territorial monitoring and security, protection of vulnerable civil infrastructure, and ensuring the security of the population should be implemented first of all. It should also be noted that the exacerbated situation requires the military forces to carry out countering adversaries. The provision of humanitarian assistance requires the establishment of shelters, increased food supplies and food security, and the provision of essential medical care. In addition, it is necessary to combat human trafficking in the region and support dislocated civilians.
Conclusion
The above measures and activities constitute the Emergency Line of Effort to be implemented in the first order. According to Affa’a-Mindzie (2013), the long-term stabilization of the region can only be ensured by creating the conditions for the rule of law and human rights security. Thus, the Stability Maintenance Line of Effort includes functions for economic stabilization, infrastructure development, and enforcement of the rule of law, government, and civic participation. It requires developing effective fiscal and monetary policies and generating employment. It is also necessary to establish an effective judicial system and law enforcement structure, especially in the criminal sector. The most long-term benefits will be achieved through the establishment of a national federal constitution and legislation, an electoral process, and a governance system.
References
Affa’a-Mindzie, M. (2013). Strengthening the rule of law and human rights in the Sahel. Stability: International Journal of Security and Development, 2(2), 19-30.
Dowd, C., & Raleigh, C. (2013). Sahel state political violence in comparative perspective. Stability: International Journal of Security and Development, 2(2), 9-18.
Zyck, S., & Muggah, R. (2013). Conflicts colliding in Mali and the Sahel. Stability: International Journal of Security and Development, 2(2), 3-8.