Minka Sahel Initiative

The security, humanitarian, and sociopolitical situation in the Sahel has continued to deteriorate since the 2012 crisis in Mali, with a significant increase in conflict hotspots. More than one million people, according to OCHA reports, have been forcibly displaced in the G5 Sahel countries, due to escalating insecurity and armed violence.

The vulnerability of Sahelian populations is further compounded by food insecurity, weak governments, and unequal access to basic services— especially in remote regions furthest from national capitals. The fear is that the situation could lead to increased inter-community tensions and erosion of social cohesion.

The Sahel is a key priority area for French development policy, and AFD has been active there for more than 40 years. The Minka Sahel Initiative was launched in 2017 as AFD’s response to the violent conflicts that threaten these countries. The Initiative enables the financing of development projects targeting the most vulnerable of populations, with the specific objective of conflict prevention and recovery.