West Africa: Rights Group Calls On EU To Adopt 'Renewed Approach' For Sahel Region

Dear High-Representative/Vice-President,

We urge the European Union to adopt a strong political strategy for the Sahel. This strategy should prioritize commitments to uphold international human rights and humanitarian law in the region.

Since the EU's "Integrated Strategy in the Sahel" became outdated in April 2021, it has lacked a unified voice. Military coups in central Sahel have worsened this situation. Without a clear strategy, several EU member states have focused on bilateral initiatives. As a result, the EU has lost relevance and missed opportunities to protect civilians.

Civilians are increasingly suffering from conflict, violence, and repression. A renewed approach should address severe human rights issues in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

In Burkina Faso, civilians face deadly attacks from Islamist armed groups. Military forces and pro-government militias (VDPs) also commit abuses during counterinsurgency operations. Mass killings of civilians appear part of a military campaign against those aiding Islamist groups. According to ACLED, around 5,600 civilians have died since September 2022. Over 2.3 million people are displaced by this conflict.

The military junta has restricted media freedom and suppressed dissent. They have placed exiled journalists on terrorist lists and conscripted critics into the military.

In Mali, Islamist armed groups continue attacking civilians. Abusive counterterrorism operations by Malian forces persist as well. Clashes with ethnic Tuareg armed groups resumed after a peace deal ended in January 2024. More than 700,000 Malians are now displaced within or outside their country.

Authorities are cracking down on media and political opposition. Political figures have been forcibly disappeared or arbitrarily arrested.

In Niger, military authorities have targeted media and peaceful dissent since July 2023's coup. Former President Mohamed Bazoum remains arbitrarily detained along with his wife. Although about 50 people were released in April, many still face politically motivated charges.

Human rights activist Moussa Tiangari is also detained on terrorism-related charges since December 2024. Civilians suffer from ongoing fighting between Islamist groups and government forces in Tillabéri.

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger withdrew from ECOWAS effective January 2025. This limits citizens' access to justice for human rights violations through the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

Human Rights Watch supports President Ursula von der Leyen’s call for a renewed approach to the Sahel region. We welcome João Cravinho's appointment as EU Special Representative for the Sahel region.

The need for clear objectives for EU engagement is urgent due to rising human rights violations without accountability. A robust strategy can enhance the EU's positive impact in the region.

This strategy should prioritize civilian protection during conflicts and counterterrorism operations while promoting respect for human rights and rule of law.

We urge you to ensure that future EU strategies:

- Reiterate obligations to protect civilians during conflicts.
- Promote respect for human rights while preventing violations.
- Publicly denounce grave abuses by all parties involved.
- Support independent oversight mechanisms for security forces.
- Call for thorough investigations into serious violations.
- Condition security cooperation on genuine human rights safeguards.
- Increase support for civil society groups working on human rights.
- Prioritize public services like health care and education.
- Collaborate with international actors like the UN and AU on human rights concerns.
- Support accountability mechanisms related to Mali’s situation.

Human Rights Watch will remain engaged throughout this process. Thank you for your attention; we are ready to provide more information if needed.

Sincerely,

Philippe Dam
Director, EU Advocacy
Human Rights Watch

Mausi Segun
Director, Africa Division
Human Rights Watch