萨赫勒疯人院

The text discusses the complex and ongoing conflict in the Sahel region, particularly in the countries surrounding the Sahara desert, including Mauritania, Chad, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The main focus is on the presence of Islamic State fighters in the region, who are believed to have moved from Syria and Iraq following their defeat there. The region also hosts other extremist groups and is a transit point for illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and smuggling activities.

A key issue is the lack of clear strategy and understanding of the complexity of the conflict, which is seen by the US and France as a "bed of nails" requiring a "hammer" approach. This has led to disagreements between France and Algeria regarding how to handle the situation in Mali. France is heavily involved in the region through its military operation "Barkhane", which has deployed over 4,000 troops in the region, particularly in Mali.

The conflict is not only military but also involves social, economic, and tribal issues. Coordination among various forces, including UN-sponsored MINUSMA, French troops, and US special forces, is problematic due to poor coordination and differing operational skills. This leads to confusion and violence, with attacks from unknown sources targeting villages and towns, resulting in kidnappings and killings.

The foreign military presence in the region is met with resistance from local communities, leading to resentment and distrust. Foreign military bases are expanding in the region, causing tension and unease among the populace. Local African troops have been reported to mistreat locals, exacerbating the deteriorating security situation.

The text also highlights the financial and political challenges faced by France in funding its military operations in the region. Despite commitments from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the US, France is still short of funds. Algeria, however, refuses to commit troops or resources unless they are placed under the command of the African Union, which neither France nor the US are members of.

Lastly, the text touches on the role of Algeria in the Sahel region's stability. Despite facing internal challenges due to the health of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Algeria remains crucial in managing the Sahel crisis diplomatically. However, the text suggests that the EU and the US should recognize Algeria and Egypt as key players in the negotiation process for a political solution in Libya, which is currently destabilized.