This Focus Paper contributes to the ongoing reflection on Belgium’s current position in West Africa, within the framework of the federal government’s planned assessment of Belgium’s presence in the Sahel. The authors provide a critical examination of the 2023 Integrated Strategy for the Sahel region, analysing ‘whole‑of‑government’ engagements in Niger, Benin and within multilateral frameworks, and offering recommendations for a broader, sub‑continental approach. They argue for the adoption of open and flexible bilateral partnerships that account for regional dynamics, Belgian interests and specificities, hybrid threats and ongoing geopolitical realignments. Additionally, the authors view Belgian Defence engagements as important enablers for diplomacy and industry, as well as key instruments of soft power.
Download the Focus Paper 62Research lines: Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa; Belgium
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Focus Paper 62
Three Years of Belgium’s Integrated Strategy for the Sahel Region:
A Critical Review and Perspectives
on Defence and Security
Martin GOURGUE &
Rodolphe VAN HÖVELL