Mahmoud Dicko, a prominent exiled Imam from Mali, has issued a call for peace in the Sahel region, urging for collaborative efforts to combat jihadist violence over the past decade affecting Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. He emphasized the necessity of finding comprehensive solutions that address the challenges faced by these countries, which have endured numerous attacks from jihadist groups closely tied to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State.

The Sahel countries are currently under military regimes that have emerged from coups, leading to a significant shift in international partnerships, especially concerning France, which used to play a pivotal role in counter-terrorism efforts. Following a decrease in trust towards former colonial powers, these nations are now moving towards forming closer ties with countries like Russia. This geopolitical shift has prompted discussions regarding the effectiveness and future of international cooperation in the ongoing fight against extremism in the region.

Dicko, who previously presided over Mali’s High Islamic Council, is a significant figure in Mali’s political landscape, credited with driving the movement that led to the ousting of former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. His current exile in Algeria further highlights the precarious political atmosphere in Mali and the broader Sahel region, as local leaders seek to navigate between international alliances and internal stability in the face of relentless jihadist threats.