The RACC’s engagement for the re-dynamisation of the G5 Sahel Cooperation Platform for Security

How to strengthen and revitalise the capacity of the G5 Sahel Cooperation Platform for Security (PCMS) in the fight against cross-cutting threats for region, particularly terrorism and transnational organized crime?

This very question was at the core of the debate at the “Reunion for a reflection on the re-dynamisation of the PCMS”, held on 10 - 13 October in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, and headquarters of the G5 Sahel.

The organisation of the workshop, attended by more than thirty people, including representatives of countries currently members of the G5 Sahel (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania and Niger), and international actors committed to peace and security in the region (European Union, UNODC, Interpol, PAGS2, GIZ), was supported by the EU Regional Advisory and Coordination Cell for the Sahel (RACC).

A few months ago, the Department of Defense and Security of the G5 Sahel requested the RACC’s support for the identification of challenges and gaps affecting the platform, and any shortcomings that it is important to face to ensure its full effectiveness.

The workshop, organised and funded by UNODC, aimed at identifying and validate quick impact measures for the benefit of PCMS. The RACC contributed to its preparation together with its Sahelian partners.

A few days prior to the event, the RACC headquarters hosted a preliminary meeting between the Regional Platform and the national antennas of the PCMS, so that these could coordinate their interventions internally before the event. Such approach translated into a more effective elaboration of a series of recommendations for the purpose of the regional cooperation. This should facilitate the proposal of an action plan and a corresponding roadmap for the coming months.

The creation of the PCMS dates to 21 December 2015, in N'Djamena, where the member states of the G5 Sahel signed an agreement for its organisation and functioning. This tool aims to mobilise the various security services of the G5 Sahel countries and coordinate their efforts to strengthen their capacities in the fight against regional cross-cutting threats. The exchange of operational information and intelligence is one its core activities.