Sahel countries seek haven from terrorist attacks

Shaimaa Hefzi

The 9th of the G5 Sahel Joint Force kicked off in Nouakchott, Mauritania on Oct. 23. Military chiefs of staff from five Sahel countries: Mauritania, Mali, Chad, Niger and Burkina Faso, discussed measures for combatting terrorism in Africa.

The meeting highlighted measures taken by the five countries along with European support for combatting extremism and takfiri groups in Africa.

Mauritania’s chief of staff called on Sahel countries to intensify efforts for boosting security and stability in the region. He said the deterioration of the security situation threatens the stability of the Sahel countries and cast a shadow on development in the region, citing that terrorist attacks have killed so many people.

Since 2014, France has deployed 4,500 troops in the Sahel region as part of the Operation Barkhane, which is aimed at combatting jihadist groups in the Sahel and Sahara countries.

European countries are worried that ISIS or any other takfiri organizationwould regroup to carry out terrorist attacks in European cities.