Population and Security Challenges in the Sahel

Increasing security challenges across the Sahel region, including armed conflicts and terrorism, have led scholars and policy makers to address connections between the region’s young demography and peace, stability and security. As the current demographic trends continue, low socio-economic opportunities and a lack of political inclusion for the youth remain major concerns. Consequently, the region’s future stability will depend not only on the ability to nurture sustainable demographic dynamics, including reducing fertility rates, but also on the successful investment in inclusive policies responding to social and political demands.