Is a new strategy needed to fight armed groups in the Sahel?
France considers reducing troop numbers as fighting worsens.
The campaign against armed groups in the western portion of the Sahel is making little progress.
A year ago, France deployed extra soldiers to support troops from Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. But now, it now looking to reduce its commitment.
Fighters linked to ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda still hold large swathes of territory.
The conflict has killed thousands of people and displaced two million.
After eight years, is it time for a new strategy?
Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom
Guests:
Ornella Moderan – Head of Sahel programme at the Institute for Security Studies
Chukwuemeka Eze – Executive director, West Africa Network for Peacebuilding
Marie-Roger Biloa – President, Africa International Media Group