Counterterrorism framing in the Sahel; Impact on policy and security dynamics
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2025-06-02
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en
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The Sahel region has faced increased instability since 2020. This period has been marked by a series of military coups in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso. The European Union has a longstanding history of involvement in counter-terrorism and peacekeeping missions. However, despite these efforts, the region remains unstable and with a growing resistance towards foreign actors. This thesis examines how the European Union has framed its counter-terrorism policy in the Sahel and how this framing has influenced regional security dynamics. This research identifies dominant frames in terrorism as interconnected threats to the Sahel and the EU. Securitised framing has justified the European intervention while also aiming for long-term development goals. This has created a tension between short-term and long-term goals. This thesis concludes that the framing of the European Union does not align with the context and has limited influence on contributing to long-term stability. To regain legitimacy and impact, the European Union must better align with the local context.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen