Climate Disputes in the Sahel: Traditional Approaches Eroded by Militarised Counterterrorism Responses and Jihadist Violence

Strategic Insights -

Climate disputes in the Sahel are intensifying due to extreme weather events, land degradation, and rapid population growth. The region's rural communities have traditionally used indigenous dispute resolution mechanisms to manage resource-based tensions. However, the increasing presence of jihadist groups and militarised counterterrorism responses has weakened these traditional approaches, eroding social cohesion and making it more challenging for communities to resolve resource-based disputes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Between 1979 and 2010, average temperatures in the Sahel region increased by 0.6°C to 0.8°C, and further warming of 3°C to 6°C is projected by the end of the 21st century.
  • The effects of climate change and rapid population growth have intensified competition over arable land, water, and pasture, leading to local conflicts.
  • Indigenous dispute resolution mechanisms, based on customary law, have traditionally governed interactions among socioeconomic groups in the Sahel, maintaining harmony within families, clans, castes, and ethnic groups.
  • However, the study found that resource-based conflicts continue in the context of increasing resource scarcity, with tensions between sedentary and nomadic herders, farmers, transhumant herders, and fishermen being particularly frequent.
  • State-led security initiatives have sometimes aggravated local tensions, leading to the erosion of public trust in the state's ability to provide security.
  • Strengthening community resilience to climate change requires strengthening local governance structures, including restoring social cohesion and empowering traditional institutions as part of a comprehensive strategy for peace and stability.

Statistics:

  • By the end of the 21st century, further warming of 3°C to 6°C is projected in the Sahel region.
  • Between 1979 and 2010, average temperatures in the region increased by 0.6°C to 0.8°C.
  • An estimated 60-70% of the Sahel's population relies on traditional farming practices, with many communities experiencing water scarcity.
  • In Niger, the Rural Code enabled land commissions at regional, departmental, communal, and village levels, but these entities struggle to manage natural resource disputes effectively.
  • In Burkina Faso, legislation on rural tenure created a Village Land Conciliation Commission in each village, but these entities have limited credibility due to concerns about corruption.

Sources:

  • Institute for Security Studies (ISS) research examining the relationship between climate change and insecurity in the Sahel region.
  • DM Fahiraman Rodrigue Koné, Sahel Project Manager, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Regional Office for West Africa and the Sahel.
  • "The Sahel: A Climate, Security and Development Nexus" report by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).