Climate, peace and security in stabilization contexts in the Sahel

The Sahel region faces a deepening crisis from conflict, insecurity and the increasingly pronounced effects of climate change and environmental degradation.

Three countries in the Sahel, Chad, Niger and Mali, rank among the seven most vulnerable countries to climate change. The region is very susceptible to recurrent droughts, land, biodiversity degradation, and erratic rainfall patterns, the compounded effects of which have propelled a severe degradation of agriculture, rangelands, and water resources, exacerbated food and water insecurity and driven displacements. Climate-related challenges
intertwine with a complex socio-political security situation and political economy marked by conflicts, crises, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational organized crime and clashes over natural resources. Climate impacts and the
related security risks are crucial in understanding the complex multidimensional crisis in the Sahel and offer an important lens for the analysis of the root causes of insecurities.

This document summarizes the proceedings of the Regional Experts Workshop - La Somone, Senegal, March 2024 and High-level Partnerships Forum New York, USA, April 2024, which were convened in partnership with the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), Liptako-Gourma Authority (LGA), African Union Commission (AUC), Climate commission for the Sahel Region (CCRS), the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), UNOCA and UNOWAS via the Climate Security Mechanism (CSM). Both featured technical and high-level segments, bringing together over 250 stakeholders through a combination of in-person and hybrid sessions to understand how climate, peace and security approaches can complement ongoing stabilization efforts in the Sahel. Sincere thanks are extended to H.E. Abdou Abarry, Zinurine Abiodu Alghali, Chika Charles Aniekwe, H.E. Hawa Aw, H.E. Issifi Boureima, Blerta Cela, Tendai Kasinganeti, H.E. Mamman Nuhu, Andrew E. Yaw Tchie, Elvis Tangem, and their teams for their contributions to the proceedings. The communiqué and outcome report were prepared under the overall direction and supervision of Njoya Tikum, Director of UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West Africa and the Sahel, and Catherine Wong, Team Leader, Climate and Security Risk, by Serena Arcone, with contributions from Eri Yamasumi, Sierge Ndjekouneyom, Pascal Yaka, Mabaye Dia, Galiné Yanon and with thanks to Pierre Bengono, Anab Grand and Lieneh Modalal for their support throughout the process.