Unraveling the Complexities of the Sahelian Region

Renowned Nigerien/French anthropologist Jean-Pierre Olivier de Sardan has revolutionized the study of African societies by bringing in local researchers to work on projects, resulting in a more realistic portrayal of the region. At 82 years old, he is considered the world’s leading expert on the Sahel region, with a vast volume of work to his name.

In a recent conversation with Hichem Ben Yaïche, de Sardan delved into the root causes of the crisis in the Sahel. He highlighted the agro-pastoral crisis as a key factor, leading to widespread unemployment among young people. This, in turn, has fueled insecurity and provided recruitment grounds for jihadist movements.

De Sardan’s analytical method is based on collective observation, a departure from traditional individual-focused anthropology. By involving local researchers in his work, he has been able to gather a wealth of data and provide a more nuanced understanding of African societies.

The anthropologist also discussed the historical context of the Sahel, emphasizing the impact of colonialism and the failure of post-independence development strategies. He pointed out the challenges facing the region, including the spread of jihadism and the need for African solutions to address these complex issues.

De Sardan’s insights shed light on the multifaceted challenges facing the Sahel and underscore the importance of local perspectives in understanding and addressing these issues. As the region grapples with security threats and development challenges, his work offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on Africa’s future.