Operation Barkhane

Logo G5 Sahel (2018)

Soldats français à Gao2

Sahel Map-Africa rough

Af Ner 116 Fort de Madama

BarkhaneGao2017(13)

Burning VBCI in Gao

Operation Barkhane was a major French-led counter-terrorism operation in Africa's Sahel region, initiated on August 1, 2014. It succeeded Operation Serval, the French military intervention in Mali that aimed to push back jihadist groups who had taken control of northern Mali in 2012. Named after a crescent-shaped dune in the Sahara desert, Operation Barkhane sought to extend French military efforts to other countries in the Sahel region, including Chad, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with the primary objective of preventing the establishment of a terrorist safe haven in the vast Sahel belt.

Background

The Sahel region has been a hotbed of insurgent and terrorist activities, with groups such as Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MOJWA), and Ansar Dine operating in the area. The instability in Libya following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, coupled with the Tuareg rebellion in Mali, created a power vacuum that these jihadist groups exploited to expand their influence.

Objectives

The main goal of Operation Barkhane was to support the governments of the Sahel region in their fight against Islamist terrorism and to ensure the security of the area. The operation aimed to disrupt terrorist networks, prevent the formation of a jihadist corridor, and facilitate the restoration of state authority in areas affected by terrorism and insurgency.

Forces and Resources

Operation Barkhane involved around 5,100 French military personnel, equipped with a range of vehicles, aircraft, and drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. French forces worked closely with the militaries of the G5 Sahel countries (Mali, Chad, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and Niger) to conduct joint operations against terrorist groups.

Challenges

The operation faced numerous challenges, including the vast and inhospitable terrain of the Sahel, the fluid nature of terrorist groups, and the socio-political complexities of the region. The porous borders between countries in the Sahel made it difficult to control the movement of militants and arms.

Criticism and Controversy

Operation Barkhane has been subject to criticism and controversy, particularly concerning its long-term effectiveness and the impact on civilian populations. Critics argue that while the operation has had some success in targeting terrorist leaders and disrupting their activities, it has not been able to completely eliminate the jihadist threat. Concerns have also been raised about human rights abuses and the potential for the operation to fuel further radicalization.

Conclusion

Operation Barkhane represents a significant effort by France and its African partners to combat terrorism in the Sahel region. Despite its challenges and criticisms, the operation has played a crucial role in the broader international strategy to counter terrorism and stabilize the Sahel. The future of Operation Barkhane and the French military's role in Africa remains a subject of ongoing debate, reflecting the complex dynamics of international security and regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism.