European countries must stop closing embassies in the Sahel region and strengthen partnerships to counter terror threats, analysts have said.
The EU's footprint in the region has dramatically receded in the past decade after a succession of coups that have brought to power military leaders who have been shunned by the West.
Political instability has triggered further security concerns, with multiple reports of massacres of civilians that have garnered little international coverage. More than 400 people were killed in late August in Burkina Faso by an Al Qaeda affiliate group.
"What is happening in Mali, in Niger and in Burkina Faso is totally unacceptable on a daily basis," said the former foreign minister and defence minister of Mali, Tieman Coulibaly, on Monday in a public discussion on how Europeans can help stabilise the Sahel, organised by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).
"Each and every day, we have reported massacres all over our territory," said Mr Coulibaly, whose country, Mali, invited the Russian mercenary Wagner, which has ties to the Kremlin, to operate on its territory in 2021 after a military coup.
One year later, France withdrew its troops, who had been deployed for nearly a decade to fight extremist groups in what it had dubbed operation Barkhane. Wagner has since fought alongside the Malian army, with both suffering heavy losses in July in a clash against separatists and an Al Qaeda affiliated group.
Instead of walking away, the EU, which ended its defence and security partnerships with Niger in December, should strengthen existing partnerships to stop countries like Russia from replacing it as a strategic partner in the region, said ECFR's Africa Programme senior policy fellow, Will Brown.
"European countries should not close their embassies. They should not slash developmental aid. They should not slash humanitarian spending. Instead, Europeans should focus on stabilising the diplomatic crisis and maintaining in-country expertise," said Mr Brown.
"We need to be supporting local bloggers, influencers, regional media outlets who are critically interrogating some of the claims or actions of powers like Russia of what they're doing in the region. We shouldn't just be working through an ambassador's Twitter account or an ambassador's Facebook account. We need to coming much more into the reality of the 21st century," he added.
"Countering false narratives is crucial," said Mr Coulibaly. "It is necessary to give the true narrative, but it is also crucial to reveal the real face of those actors so the people can understand what is really going on. The decision to invite Wagner, for example, was the [worst] deal in the history of Mali, and we're paying the high price."
Russia, by their own admission, is not providing real support. They are providing an illusion of support
Europe's Special Representative for the Sahel,
Emanuela Del Re
The EU's Special Representative for the Sahel, Emanuela Del Re, pushed back against descriptions of the bloc's policies in the region as a "failure" and said it remains the region's biggest humanitarian donor. Yet she also recognised that there has been a lack of leadership at EU level, which has relied on the Economic Community of West African Countries (Ecowas).
Earlier this year Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso left the alliance, which numbers 12 countries and which for decades had ensured free movement of people and goods in the region. "We have seen a transformation of the European Union as, so to speak, a reference actor, but not an active actor, not a proactive actor," said Ms Del Re.
She said high-level representatives of several countries in the region had personally told her they would like the EU to continue its support with training and equipment to their military, but that this has proven an "ethical dilemma." Ms Del Re recounted a conversation with the Malian President, Colonel Assimi Goita, in which she warned him inviting Wagner to Mali would carry "consequences".
The consequences were the end of Operation Barkhane and of the EU training mission to Mali, which had trained 18,000 soldiers – more than half the country's military. "In the end, we are not present," said Ms Del Re.
"Given that we are in front of not only terrorists, but terrorists mixed with criminals, we will have to find some way of supporting the countries," she added. "Because they're really lacking military support. And we all know that Russia, by their own admission, is not providing real support. They are providing an illusion of support."
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
More on Quran memorisation:
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
SPECS
%3Cp%3EEngine%3A%20Supercharged%203.5-litre%20V6%0D%3Cbr%3EPower%3A%20400hp%0D%3Cbr%3ETorque%3A%20430Nm%0D%3Cbr%3EOn%20sale%3A%20Now%0D%3Cbr%3EPrice%3A%20From%20Dh450%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20synchronous%20electric%20motors%20%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E646hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E830Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETwo-speed%20auto%20(rear%20axle)%3B%20single-speed%20auto%20(front)%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh552%2C311%3B%20Dh660%2C408%20(as%20tested)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The five pillars of Islam
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Voices: How A Great Singer Can Change Your Life
Nick Coleman
Jonathan Cape
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
More on Quran memorisation:
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
Saturday's results
West Ham 2-3 Tottenham
Arsenal 2-2 Southampton
Bournemouth 1-2 Wolves
Brighton 0-2 Leicester City
Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool
Everton 0-2 Norwich City
Watford 0-3 Burnley
Manchester City v Chelsea, 9.30pm
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
RACE CARD
6.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh82.500 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,400m
7.40pm Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (Turf) 2,410m
8.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,900m
8.50pm UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (TB) Conditions Dh183,650 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm Dubai Trophy (TB) Conditions Dh183,650 (T) 1,200m
10pm Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (T) 1,400m
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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The years Ramadan fell in May
'The Batman'
Stars:Robert Pattinson
Director:Matt Reeves
Rating: 5/5
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
MATCH INFO
Day 1 at Mount Maunganui
England 241-4
Denly 74, Stokes 67 not out, De Grandhomme 2-28
New Zealand
Yet to bat
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
