Why Brussels views events in the Sahel as vital to EU security.

AQIM is taking advantage of the social and economic fabric of Sahelian communities while exploiting the region's vast plains and porous borders that complicate counterterrorism operations.

Now that Morocco has regained its seat at the African Union, the Kingdom faces a new context where it must defend its core interests while proving that it is a responsible stakeholder whose membership benefits the AU.

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb remains a looming threat, with its proven adaptability and resilience, and its high capacity for destruction.

Despite progress toward stability, Mauritania remains at risk of social and political unrest.

The fragile states of the Sahara and just below the desert pose significant challenges—not just for the United States and Europe, but also for the North African states themselves.