Thread by @CSISAfrica

Live in 30 minutes: @florence_parly and Torge Gerlach give opening remarks at the 2nd Annual Sahel Summit before a panel discussion w/ @AngelLosadaEU, @DrJPPham, & @SidikouMaman. Follow along via this thread & #SahelSummit #CSISLive.

Tune in here: bit.ly/SahelSummit2

A big thank you to our event partners: @EUintheUS and @WeAreDTGlobal. Panelists in today's discussion will examine the state of play in the Sahel, key priorities for regional & int'l stakeholders, and opportunities for coordination. #SahelSummit @csislive

bit.ly/SahelSummit2

Program Director @JDevermont kicks off the event outlining 3 significant changes over the past year:

- #Mali's military coup & political transition.
- Developments in int'l engagement.
- The Covid-19 pandemic and humanitarian challenges.

#SahelSummit #CSISLive

French Minister of Armed Forces @florence_parly delivers an opening statement highlighting collective European action in the Sahel through Operation Barkhane and the Takuba task force. #SahelSummit #CSISLive

@florence_parly: We must collectively make sure that #Mali is on the right track – back to constitutional order and to free and fair elections. #SahelSummit #CSISLive

@florence_parly notes that military action in the region has two purposes:

1. To fight against terrorist groups.
2. To strengthen the armies of the G5 Sahel to make them able to fight terrorism and restore security.

#SahelSummit #CSISLive

@florence_parly concludes: we are seeing a real dynamic & awareness of the #Sahel countries and their armies. The fight must continue. We can succeed. Peace and stability in the Sahel is still a long way off, but I believe we are on the right track.

#SahelSummit #CSISLive

Torge Gerlach, Chief Executive Officer of @WeAreDTGlobal gives his opening remarks noting that international coordination is "so critical at this time." #SahelSummit #CSISLive

.@JDevermont introduces our three panelists: EU Special Representative to the Sahel @AngelLosadaEU, U.S. Special Envoy to the Sahel Region @DrJPPham, & Executive Secretary of the G5 Sahel @SidikouMaman. #SahelSummit #CSISLive

“Where have we, as Sahelians and friends of the Sahel, succeeded and where are we failing?” @JDevermont asks @AngelLosadaEU #SahelSummit #CSISLive

@AngelLosadaEU: What is happening in the #Sahel is a polygon of crises and a perfect storm. #SahelSummit #CSISLive

@AngelLosadaEU notes that the Sahel is currently experiencing an onslaught of crises: governance, security, economic, demographic, humanitarian, migration, and radicalization.

#SahelSummit #CSISLive

The EU is working to renew their strategy in order to effectively adapt to the situation in the Sahel. This involves increased ownership and robust efforts at coordination. #SahelSummit #CSISLive

“What are the hurdles to greater effectiveness and interoperability between foreign governments and Sahelian governments?” asks @JDevermont. #SahelSummit #CSISLive

.@SidikouMaman: We simply cannot afford competition between partners if we want to make a difference in Sahelian livelihoods. Partners should cooperate rather than repeat. #SahelSummit #CSISLive

.@SidikouMaman outlines considerations in moving forward:

- Improve the way we work in-country & between countries.
- Perception and perspectives matter.
- Communication is key, not propaganda.
- Trust can only be earned through tangible incremental steps

#SahelSummit

.@JDevermont asks @DrJPPham, newly appointed U.S. Special Envoy to the Sahel Region, to explain some of the positive outcomes from greater U.S. engagement in the Sahel. #SahelSummit #CSISLive

"Political leadership and diplomatic efforts are our priority here at the G5 Sahel" says @SidikouMaman on greater U.S. engagement. #SahelSummit #CSISLive

@SidikouMaman: A hungry man is an angry man and basic needs are the priority. #SahelSummit #CSISLive

.@DrJPPham emphasizes the importance of locally owned and driven solutions in the region and notes that the transition in Mali is an opportunity to revisit the Algiers Accord and other issues. #SahelSummit #CSISLive

Have a question for our panelists? Submit it now through the link on the event page or here: bit.ly/AudienceQs #SahelSummit #CSISLive

Amb. @AngelLosadaEU outlines the main shortcomings in the Algiers Accord: a lack of inclusivity and a lack of ownership #SahelSummit #CSISLive

What is the best approach to engage with belligerent actors in the region? What are the consequences of failure? How do we solve this hyper-localized problem? @JDevermont asks our panelists for their recommendations moving forward. #SahelSummit #CSISLive

.@SidikouMaman recommends the consideration of inclusion and cooperation across borders. #SahelSummit #CSISLive

Amb. @SidikouMaman outlines main priorities:

1. Fostering cross-border cooperation.
2. Creating shared value for local public-private partnerships.
3. Supporting social cohesion through economic incentives.

#SahelSummit #CSISLive

.@MamanSidikou1 concludes by saying: We need to be evidence based, work from the bottom of a pyramid, and secure inclusive growth. Our prosperity and shared interests are at stake here.

#SahelSummit #CSISLive

.@DrJPPham suggests improved negotiations with actors when it comes to humanitarian access, and increased engagement at the grassroots level. #SahelSummit #CSISLive

We hope you enjoyed our Annual #SahelSummit! Thank you to @AngelLosadaEU, @DrJPPham, @SidikouMaman, @florence_parly & Torge Gerlach for their insights. Special thanks to our partners @EUintheUS & @WeAreDTGlobal.

The event recording is accessible here: bit.ly/SahelSummit2