Dutch Efforts in the Sahel #Investir Pour Prévenir

Diplomatic Presence, Expanding Partnerships and Policy Priorities

Dutch efforts in the Sahel #Investir pour prévenir

Table of contents

1. The Sahel 3

2. Why the Netherlands invests in the Sahel 8

3. Where the Netherlands is represented in the Sahel 11

4. What the Dutch priorities are in the Sahel 12

5. How the Netherlands engages in the Sahel 19

| 2 | The Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

1. The Sahel

Developments across the G5-Sahel region (Burkina Faso, At the same time, several countries along the West and Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger) reflect a global trend North African coast are powerful regional economic whereby extreme poverty is becoming ever more engines with considerable potential for the Sahel. concentrated within fragile regions. Clearly, international efforts geared towards promoting As highlighted in the Dutch policy document ‘Investing in stability in G5-Sahel countries should be embedded within Global Prospects’, an estimated 80% of extremely poor a wider geographical approach. people will live in countries affected by fragility and conflict, especially in Africa, by 2030 (see: Figure 1). Expanding terrorist networks, organised crime, governance deficits, profound development needs and The World Bank strategy for fragility, conflict and violence impunity in the Sahel can also have serious repercussions demonstrates that conflicts also drive 80% of all for the EU. Climate change and demographic trends humanitarian needs and reduce gross domestic product further exacerbate these risks. (GDP) growth by two percentage points per year, on average. The Sahel region and the EU have a joint interest in further developing a geopolitical partnership with equal coverage Moreover, violent conflict has led to historically high levels of development, security and governance challenges as of forced displacement with over 70 million refugees, well as opportunities. internally displaced people (IDPs) and asylum-seekers as of end-2018. In light of the many international actors already present in | 3 | the Sahel, the Netherlands seeks to align its resources For the Sahel, the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies notes (upscaling) and expertise (innovation) with existing an increase of almost 50% in fatalities as a result of non- initiatives, rather than duplicating ongoing efforts. state violence between 2016 and 2019. UNHCR reports that the number of IDPs in Burkina Faso alone has risen This brochure briefly summariseswhy , where and how the ten-fold in 2019, reaching a total of 560,000. Netherlands engages with the Sahel region and what our diplomatic and policy priorities are. There is also a risk of these rapidly increasing levels of instability spreading towards West African coastal states.

Figure 1 ising poverty in ragile states could soon end global poverty reduction

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Numer of poor (millions) 4

2 22 24 2 28 21 212 214 21 218 22 222 224 22 228 23

ource World Data ab, Non-fragile Fragile Total The Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

The rapidly deteriorating situation in the Sahel requires Figure 2 Population sie in and urgent interventions in order to restore public services, 218 24 counter security threats and provide humanitarian 5 assistance. In addition, long-term engagement is needed 45 to address the root causes of poverty, fragility, violent 4 extremism and irregular migration. 35 The following trends are particularly influential: 3 25 2

#1. Demographic trends opulation in millions The Sahel is witnessing a phase of unprecedented 15 population growth (see figure 2). By 2030, 50 million 1 youths below the age of 15 will inhabit the region. 5 Unlocking the region’s youth potential is one of the key Burkina Chad Mali Mauritania Niger priorities in the Sahel. A large labour-productive Faso population with improved access to skills, schooling, ource nstitute or ecurity tudies Prospects or the ahel justice, employment and (sexual) health services offers countries to orthcoming great development potential in the long term. school attendance remains well below the continental #2. Socio-economic prospects average. According to the World Bank, a mere 29% of girls The socio-economic starting point in the Sahel is in Burkina Faso attend secondary school, while Mali (26%) challenging. Countries in the Sahel rank among the world’s and Chad (12%) score even lower. lowest on the Human Development Index (HDI): more | 4 | than 40% of citizens live on less than $1.90 per day, while Educating girls and ending child marriage is critical to 80% lack access to sanitation and 30% do not have access improve socio-economic prospects (also see: Figure 3). to clean drinking water. Girls who are better educated generate higher future income and choose to have fewer children. Promoting Public services are particularly limited in rural areas and gender equality as an integral part of education policies is increasingly fragile border areas. Primary school therefore crucial. enrolment has improved in recent decades but secondary

Figure 3 Percentage o young women years married beore age

Mauritania 34 Mali 55 Niger 7 Senegal Chad 33 8 The Gamia 3 Burkina Faso Guinea-Bissau 52 Guinea 22 Benin 52 32 Nigeria 43 Sierra eone Togo Ghana 44 Cte Divoire 25 33 21 ieria 38

ource ahel and West Arica lub, 3 3-5 5-75 75 The Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

Photo 1 Working Visit by Minister Kaag in Niger

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Youth ‘underemployment’ is a major concern. The formal sector generates a mere 10% of all jobs in the region. Private sector development “Access to finance is one of the main challenges we face. It is Yet, population growth and urbanisation also generate inadequate for young entrepreneurs, in view of the very high opportunities. Domestic and regional markets for food, interest rates and the types of guarantees requested,” says goods and services are projected to expand considerably Ouma Kaltoume Issoufou, an agricultural products in the future and have the potential to boost employment entrepreneur in Niger. and income opportunities. According to Abdoul-Kader Issoufou, from the ‘Centre Recent studies published by the OECD, the World Bank Agroécologique de Productions Intégrées et de and Chatham House also underline the economic potential Formation en Agrobusiness, “It would help if we could of improving the efficiency of trade corridors that link stimulate the entrepreneurial culture in Niger, especially consumers in West and North African cities with producers among the youth, and set up structures to support them.” in the Sahel.

Aligning and adapting the education sector to include the #3. Climate change skills required within the rural economy and in upcoming While demographic trends will lead to ever-growing needs urban economic sectors remains critical to improving in the coming decades, climate change risks diminishing youth employment. the availability of natural resources upon which citizens depend. Scaling up digital innovation initiatives to improve access to finance and public services, and increasing income- Over the past 20 years, water availability per inhabitant generating opportunities will advance economic has declined by more than 40%. Climate shocks are prospects. expected to increase in the future. The region faces unpredictable weather patterns and rising temperatures, There is also considerable economic potential in along with land and soil degradation. developing the renewable energy sector, also in terms of job creation, as stipulated within the UN’s Support Plan for the Sahel. The Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

Photo 2 Woman refilling her bucket from a well in Natriguel, in the drought-stricken South of Mauritania

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Experts predict that a temperature increase of 1.2 to 1.9 At the same time, innovative technologies have proved degrees Celsius (°C) - which is lower than projections for successful in promoting resilience by regenerating severely the region - will be enough to increase the number of degraded land, improving water management and malnourished people in West Africa by 95% in 2050 increasing food security. (Reliefweb, 2016). Food prices are also expected to rise considerably (see: Figure 4).

Figure 4 ood prices in ahel

1 Food rice Inde, measured against 21

28 21 212 214 21 218

Year Mali Mauritania Niger

ource he ague entre or trategic tudies, trategic Monitor, The Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

#4. Governance and justice Due to rising levels of violent incidents, state officials and Yet, improving governance is not limited to restoring state public services are largely absent from many rural areas authority but also entails building trust between citizens across the Sahel region, where the vast majority of citizens and the state. This requires a focus on state legitimacy reside. rather than state capacity per se.

In this context, people have come to rely on local militias, Improving the participation of youths and women in criminal groups, terrorist organisations or self-defence decision-making processes is crucial in this regard. Youths groups for their protection and upon non-state actors for and women are disproportionally excluded from decision- a minimal level of services. making processes, further corroding social cohesion and increasing inequalities. For example, in Mali, Niger and The self-defence groups and militias are often organised Burkina Faso, the percentages of women parliamentarians along communal lines and are heavily armed. Hence, inter- are only 8.8%, 17% and 13.4%, respectively (Inter- communal tensions increasingly incite violent clashes Parliamentary Union, February 2019). along inter-communal fault lines. Reports by Human Rights Watch, the International Crisis Group and others Reinforcing public trust in the security apparatus, human reveal ensuing patterns of impunity. rights compliance and enhancing cooperation with the wider penal chain also constitute key priorities. The Promoting the return of the state beyond the main urban budgetary gap between domestic military expenditure areas clearly constitutes a critical component of a (>20%) and support to the justice sector (<2%) within sustainable stabilisation strategy. national budgets is a source of concern (see: Figure 5).

Figure 5 Military expenditures in West Arica Budget trends 21-17 () | 7 | Increase Decrease Ependitures in SD

Mauritania 2 Cao erde Niger Mali 19 Senegal Chad The Gamia Burkina Faso Guinea-Bissau 24 -33 Guinea Benin Nigeria Ghana -4 Sierra eone Cte Divoire -19

ieria Togo

ource ahel and West Arica lub ecretariat, 5 million 2 5 million 1 2 million 1 million Why the Netherlands invests in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

2. Why the Netherlands invests in the Sahel

In 2018, the Dutch government adopted three policy documents that provide the overall framework for Dutch foreign policy. These policy notes offered the basis for an enhanced partnership with the Sahel region, based on an integrated approach.

#1. ‘Investing in Global Prospects’ Photo 3 Working visit by Minister Kaag in central Mali One of the key characteristics of the Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation policy is an increased focus on poor and fragile regions. The West African Sahel, the Horn of Africa, North Africa and the Middle East are identified as ‘focus regions’.

The policy foresees new investments to reduce poverty, promote sustainable inclusive growth and prevent further instability and conflicts. | 8 | “A greater focus on prevention is desperately needed. Greater efforts now will mean less human suffering in the future and will save billions in emergency aid, asylum in the region of origin and reconstruction. That’s better for the world and better for the Netherlands,” said Minister Kaag when presenting the new policy.

#Investir pour prévenir Why the Netherlands invests in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

The policy note is based on the United Nations’ Common Effort Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which constitute German-Dutch platform for civil-military cooperation. the ultimate prevention agenda. Progress towards these In 2010, the first Germany/Netherlands Corps goals can remove the breeding ground for conflict and initiated a civil-military cooperation exercise to radicalisation, help to restore trust between citizens and strengthen stability, safety and security in a the state, and thereby build more resilient states and comprehensive way. societies. Development workers, diplomats, think-tank experts By addressing the root causes of interwoven challenges, and the military come together to practice wide-scale such as poverty, conflict, terrorism and irregular migration, cooperation in a tangible way. ‘Investing in Global Prospects’ contributes to the integrated approach underpinning Dutch foreign policy. Common Effort provides a training platform and an opportunity for knowledge-sharing and the exchange #2. ‘Integrated International Security Strategy’ of experiences with a comprehensive approach. Threats within and outside the Netherlands have become increasingly interconnected. In 2018, the Dutch Over the coming years, the Common Effort platform government introduced an Integrated International will focus on the Sahel region and share innovative Security Strategy, which focuses strongly on the mounting mechanisms for civil-military cooperation. levels of instability close to Europe’s borders and the risk this instability poses to the sustainable development of Participants from the Sahel region, Germany, the these regions, as well as to Europe’s security. Netherlands, the EU and other international partners will exchange innovative approaches during practical The Sahel constitutes a priority region for the Netherlands exercises, expert meetings and high-level policy in terms of stability and security. Combating terrorism and events. | 9 | preventing irregular migration in the Sahel directly serves Europe’s security interests. Further information www.common-effort.org

In its white paper (2018), the Ministry of Defence committed to further enhancing cooperation with allies and strategic partners among government organisations, civil society organisations and the business community.

Figure 6 tate ragility in the Middle East, the orn o Arica, and the ahel,

Sustainale Stale Warning Alert ource ragile tates ndex, Why the Netherlands invests in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

#3. ‘Comprehensive Agenda on Migration’ Photo 4 and 5 A group of migrant men, mainly from The ‘Comprehensive Agenda on Migration’ – the Dutch Niger and Nigeria, sit in the back of a pick up government’s policy document on migration, adopted in 2018 – contains six pillars that cover the entire migration chain:

• Preventing irregular migration • Improving reception and protection for refugees and displaced persons in the region • Achieving a robust asylum system, based on solidarity, in the EU and the Netherlands • Combating illegal residence and stepping up returns • Promoting legal migration routes • Encouraging integration and participation

As both Mali and Niger are transit hubs on the main migration routes towards Europe, these countries are considered important partners in the area of migration.

| 10 | Where the Netherlands is represented in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

3. Where the Netherlands is represented in the Sahel

The Netherlands is expanding its diplomatic presence both These new or expanded Dutch diplomatic missions in the in the Sahel and in the wider West and North African Sahel will liaise closely with colleagues working in our region. In addition to our long-standing presence in Mali, embassies in the Maghreb and West Africa, as both new diplomatic missions in Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad challenges and opportunities in the areas of security, have recently been opened, often as co-locations with migration and development are closely interlinked. international partners (see Figure 7).

Photo 6 and 7 Minister Blok opens the Netherlands’ diplomatic mission in Niger

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Figure 7 Dutch diplomatic missions in ahel countries

Mali Niger

Chad

Burkina Faso

ource Ministry o oreign Aairs o the Netherlands, What the Dutch priorities are in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

4. What the Dutch priorities are in the Sahel

4.1 Investing in global prospects The Netherlands has made available up to € 400 million (2019-2022) to contribute to development efforts across the Sahel region, with a particular focus on the following sectors:

Education, work and freedom of choice for Key objectives: women and girls • Skills development will become better aligned to job The Netherlands is an international advocate for gender opportunities, thereby ensuring that youngsters - equality and the empowerment of women and girls. particularly girls - are able to make the transition from Strengthening the role of women in preventing conflict school/training to work. and in peace negotiations was an important priority • A higher number of girls will be attracted to and retained during our membership of the UN Security Council in in (non-)formal education, thereby contributing to a 2018. Our diplomatic and programmatic efforts in the reduction in child marriage. Sahel continue to focus on increasing women’s • Family planning services will be made more widely meaningful participation in conflict prevention and available by regional partners. Addressing the “unmet resolution, peace processes, (political) decision making needs” constitutes a priority in a rights-based approach | 12 | and socio-economic development. to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.

The recent appointment of an Ambassador for Youth, Education and Work reflects the priority the Netherlands Example: SDGs: gives to improving future prospects for young people in the Sahel and other priority regions. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights The Netherlands is part of the Ouagadougou Photo 8 Women’s football team in Niamey, Niger Partnership, an alliance between nine Francophone West African countries, including religious leaders, civil society members and youth representatives and their international partners.

In 2018, the Ouagadougou Partnership countries reached 448,000 new users of modern contraception. By the end of 2020, an additional 2.2 million people will have used modern family planning methods. The Netherlands plays an active role in the donor discussions. What the Dutch priorities are in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

Sustainable trade and investment Example: SDGs: As a trading nation and a development partner with considerable experience in promoting public cooperation Trade Facilitation West Africa (TFWA) with the private sector, the Netherlands contributes to The World Bank Group (WBG) and GIZ receive funding sustainable and inclusive growth in other countries. from the EU, the Netherlands and USAID to design and implement a new regional trade facilitation Key objectives: programme in West Africa. The initiative will facilitate • Economic sectors and value chains with a high potential the movement of goods and vehicles along six trade for youth employment will be strengthened in the Sahel. corridors and at border markets in eight countries. Agribusinesses as well as urban entrepreneurs with a Programme activities are based on three pillars: plan to invest, trade or provide services will be provided with (financial) advisory services. A credit fund to boost • Regional trade facilitation measures, in coordination agri-food investments will be established. with ECOWAS and UEMOA, and support for the • The general business climate and the potential for implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation private sector development will improve as key Agreement economic institutions are strengthened and access to • Improvement of selected trade corridors, primarily both finance and land tenure improves. from a logistics & transport standpoint • Trade barriers will be lifted along corridors between the • Support to small-scale cross-border traders, Sahel (Bamako-Niamey-Ouagadougou) and West African especially women ports (Dakar-Abidjan-Cotonou, Lagos-Niamey), thereby improving regional economic integration. Targeted support will contribute to the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Promoting small scale cross- | 13 | border trade, especially by women, will be prioritised.

Sustainable Technology Adaptation for Mali’s Pastoralists (STAMP) The STAMP project improves resilience among pastoralists (livestock farmers) in Mali by providing them with access to geo-satellite-derived data on:

• Biomass availability and quality • Surface water availability • Herd concentration around these resources • Market prices for livestock and staple grains along transhumance corridors

This information is made accessible via mobile phones for a modest fee. It has contributed to reduced livestock mortality and increased productivity and income in a selected target group in fragile zones in Mali.

This public-private partnership was supported by the Netherlands Space Office (NSO) and is led by the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV), together with a Dutch and an international firm, local research institutes and non-governmental organisations.

In Burkina Faso, a similar programme enables pastoralists and farmers to improve their income. What the Dutch priorities are in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

Photo 9 A Nigerien farmer rests as she digs a trench to collect rainwater near the village of Tibiri in the Southern Zinder region

Food security, agricultural development, • A large off-grid solar programme will be implemented, water and renewable energy thereby contributing to increased access to energy | 14 | The Netherlands is making an important contribution to among the rural and semi-rural population and combating hunger and malnutrition and improving improving their opportunities for developing economic agricultural productivity, while using its expertise in the activities. Moreover, support to the domestic biogas water sector to improve sustainable water management, sector will be increased. drinking water and sanitation. The Netherlands is also helping developing countries to adapt to climate change and achieve the energy transition. Example: SDGs:

Key objectives: Natural resource management • Rural agricultural producers and their families will A growing population, climate change and become less vulnerable to land degradation as a result of governance challenges are contributing to diminishing improved natural resource management and more socio-economic perspectives, instability and conflict efficient use of water in agriculture. In these areas, the in central Mali. level of malnutrition will decrease. Both arable and livestock farmers will generate a higher income as a result With Dutch support, the local inter-municipality, of our investment in ecologically sustainable land use in encompassing 30 communities, developed an the Sudano-Sahel zone of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. inclusive and integrated plan for the development • The economic perspectives of family farms will benefit and management of natural resources for from commercially viable rural development initiatives. agriculturalists, livestock producers and fishermen These initiatives will be supported in cooperation with living together in the Sourou regions. producer organisations and small to medium-sized companies. This plan should improve the socio-economic • Equitable water use will increase in rural areas, fulfilling prospects of close to 900,000 people, while also the needs of all interested socio-professional groups contributing to the prevention and mitigation of and the environment. Access to water, sanitation and conflicts in the region. hygiene will be promoted, particularly in schools and health centres, while water production capacity in rapidly growing cities will expand considerably.

What the Dutch priorities are in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

4.2. Peace, security and the rule of law

Capacity, legitimacy, mobility and Photo 10 International support for improved border accountability of security providers management in Niger Together with the EU Special Representative for the Sahel, as well as Denmark and Sweden, the Netherlands has engaged with the political and military leadership of the G5-Sahel, Human Rights institutions, civil society, representatives of the justice sector, the Office of the High-Commissioner (OHCHR) and other multilateral organisations in order to encourage civil-military cooperation and build relations of trust and cooperation between local citizens and armed forces.

Key objectives: • Defence and Security forces within the Sahel region, including the civilian components, will become increasingly operational. The capacity of regional and national defence capabilities will be enhanced through our contributions to UN mission MINUSMA, the UN Office against Drugs and Crime, European capacity- building missions as well as US-led capacity-building initiatives. • Moreover, the relationship of trust, responsiveness and | 15 | accountability between security actors and local citizens will improve. Likewise, security actors across the region will benefit from improved civil-military cooperation and communication. • With our support, local security actors in border areas have also become more mobile and thereby more efficient in effectively combating terrorism and organised crime while respecting human rights.

Example:

Mobile border control teams in Niger With support from the civilian EU training mission EUCAP Sahel, the Netherlands and Germany financially supported Niger to establish a mobile border control company along its border with Nigeria. This enhances the capacity of the police to secure the borders, to fight drug and human trafficking as llwe as terrorism. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee also shares border management expertise. What the Dutch priorities are in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

Peace processes and rule of law Examples: The rule of law and a legitimate government are essential to sustained socio-economic development, stability and Access to justice and reinforcing the penal chain in security. The key to improvement lies in the countries Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger themselves. Change and reform must come primarily from Countering impunity is a key requirement for the government and key local non-state actors. The enhanced stability in the eyes of many citizens across Netherlands supports these processes together with the Sahel. The Netherlands therefore implements a partners such as the EU, the UN, the World Bank and non- programme that improves access to justice in governmental actors. approximately 300 municipalities in Mali.

Key objectives: The Netherlands will also support Mali, Burkina Faso • Operational collaboration between Defence, security and Niger in strengthening the entire criminal justice actors and the justice sector will improve, enhancing the system and its capacity to tackle cross-border crime, overall performance of the penal chain. with a particular focus on the border area of Liptako- • Access to justice will improve considerably as a result of Gourma. The programme will also enhance the establishment of legal clinics and networks of young cooperation between the G5-Sahel force and the legal advisers in rural areas. Moreover, the percentage of national penal chains. citizens expressing trust in competent justice institutions will increase. • Local governments will become more transparent, Preventing violent extremism accountable and inclusive. The establishment of Radio Ndarason International is an initiative that aims dialogue platforms between youth groups and local to prevent and counter violent extremism in the Lake officials has contributed to improved public service Chad Basin. A network of correspondents in Nigeria, delivery and has reinforced trust between citizens and Chad, Cameroon and Niger provides coverage of | 16 | municipal governments. important events in local languages and enables civil- • A similar priority will be given to supporting local military interaction. conflict resolving and peace building mechanisms in order to ensure that inter-community relations improve. The radio station gives the community a voice and helps people to create their own narrative, rather than accepting the one propagated by Boko Haram.

Together with the UK and Germany, the Netherlands supports Radio Ndarason International. Options to extend the initiative to other G5-Sahel countries are being examined and developed. What the Dutch priorities are in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

4.3. Migration cooperation Protection of migrants Example:

Key objectives: IOM programme • Stranded irregular migrants in border areas as well as With support from the Netherlands, the International those returning or being expelled from North Africa Organisation for Migration (IOM) provides emergency have been assisted through rescue operations and have assistance to migrants in distress along migratory received emergency assistance, including psychosocial roads, including medical care and psychosocial support. support. This support has enabled IOM to assist more • The rights of irregular migrants have become better than 6,000 migrants between 2017 and 2018. protected as victims of smuggling and trafficking have received legal assistance. It is expected that the programme will provide direct assistance to another 9,000 migrants in the period 2019 - 2021. Specialised assistance, including mental health and psychosocial support, will continue to be provided to vulnerable migrants, such as victims of trafficking, unaccompanied minors and women.

Photo 11 Minister Blok visits the IOM centre in Niger

| 17 | What the Dutch priorities are in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

Detection, investigation and prosecution of Example: smuggling and the trafficking of migrants Only through international cooperation can human Regional UNODC and OHCHR programme trafficking be stopped and traffickers brought to justice. In The Netherlands supports the United Nations Office the UN, the Netherlands is following up on an initiative on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Office of the taken in the Security Council in 2018 to impose sanctions High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) in: on human traffickers in Libya. The sanctions regime for Mali also enables the targeting of those engaged in human • Providing technical assistance to detect, investigate trafficking and migrant smuggling. and prosecute migrant smuggling and related crimes National and international cooperation between • Enhancing regional cooperation and the exchange governments and the financial sector is essential in order of operational information on the smuggling of to find and freeze the financial assets of listed human migrants traffickers. Moreover, supporting countries in building • Protecting and promoting the human rights of their capacity to adopt legislation and to investigate and migrants in their countries of origin and during their prosecute human traffickers is critical. migratory movements

Key objectives: In order to adapt and respond to the requirements of • Smuggling and trafficking networks in the Sahel have the changing migration situation, the programme been increasingly dismantled as a result of improved involves countries of origin, transit and destination. regional and international cooperation mechanisms, the regular exchange of information and enhanced border We financially supported the secondment of Nigerian management along strategic hotspots. prosecutors in Italy and Spain, which significantly • Legal frameworks have been reformed and enable more contributes to improved international cooperation | 18 | efficient detection, investigation and prosecution of and has produced tangible results in prosecutions. irregular migrant smuggling and related crimes. • Voluntary return and sustainable reintegration of stranded irregular migrants from transit countries to their countries of origin, including from rescue operations, has increased.

Photo 12 The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee advises the Nigerien police on the prevention of identity and document fraud How the Netherlands engages in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

5. How the Netherlands engages in the Sahel

Aligning our support to existing efforts Dutch universities, research institutes, private companies Considering the presence of many multilateral and and non-governmental organisations contribute highly bilateral partners in the Sahel, the Netherlands deliberately relevant expertise in areas such as water management, seeks to avoid contributing to further fragmentation of food security, value-chain development, reducing land international support efforts. Wherever possible, we align degradation and the development of quality seeds for with successful existing initiatives on the ground. smallholders. Achieving scale is key. The Netherlands also encourages innovative forms of The Netherlands also became a member of the Sahel cooperation between public and private parties. Public Alliance. This network of multilateral, bilateral and private funds provide businesses with an opportunity to explore institutions aims to provide a more effective, coherent and and tap into new markets by developing smart solutions swift development response to the challenges faced by the for development challenges. G5 Sahel countries, particularly in fragile (border) areas. Digitalisation overcomes geographical distance and In Niger, the Netherlands established operational contributes to public service delivery in isolated and fragile partnerships with other international members and local (border) areas across the Sahel. The high degree of mobile | 19 | alliance partners. telephone coverage enables communication through interactive apps and creates promising opportunities for (the provision of) healthcare, agriculture, financial services WASH initiatives in Niger and Mauritania and emergency aid. The Netherlands recently joined a partnership between Niger, Luxembourg, Denmark and the A regional approach European Union that provides access to safe drinking In recognition of the transnational character of both water, sanitation and hygiene, also in fragile border challenges and opportunities in the Sahel region, a regions. regional approach will complement country-specific interventions. This regional approach is shaped along The programme is part of the Programme de three lines: Développement d’Urgence (PDU), developed by the G5-Sahel and Sahel Alliance. The Netherlands also • Stepping up support to security and development significantly invests in improving drinking water initiatives in fragile border areas, in particular the Liptako- infrastructure in the capital city Niamey. Gourma area between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso • Supporting Sahel-wide initiatives and institutions, In Mauritania, access to sanitation rates has recently including the G5-Sahel, regional civil society networks, risen from 29% to 61% thanks to a programme trade corridors and knowledge platforms implemented by UNICEF and the Mauritanian • Promoting intra-regional cooperation and trade, most authorities. The Netherlands will continue to provide notably between the Sahel, Maghreb and West African support to this (regional) programme. coastal states

An agenda for innovation The Netherlands continues to invest in knowledge- building, innovation and digitalisation for development.

Innovations in technology, working methods and financing are necessary to find new, integrated solutions for the multifaceted challenges in the Sahel. Photography | Dutch efforts in the Sahel

Photography

Photo Description Source Page Photo 1 Working Visit by Minister Kaag in Niger Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs 5 Photo 2 Woman refilling her bucket from a well in ANP / Pablo Tosco 6 Natriguel, in the drought-stricken South of Mauritania Photo 3 Working visit by Minister Kaag in central Mali Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs 8

Photo 4 and 5 A group of migrant men, mainly from Niger and ANP / Soulemaine AG ANARA 10 Nigeria, sit in the back of a pick up Photo 6 and 7 Minister Blok opens the Netherlands’ diplomatic Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs 11 mission in Niger Photo 8 Women’s football team in Niamey, Niger Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Photo 9 A Nigerien farmer rests as she digs a trench to ANP / Issouf Sanogo 14 collect rainwater near the village of Tibiri in the Southern Zinder region Photo 10 International support for improved border Netherlands Ministry of Defence 15 management in Niger Photo 11 Minister Blok visits the IOM centre in Niger Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Photo 12 The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee advises Netherlands Ministry of Defence 18 the Nigerien police on the prevention of identity and document fraud | 20 | Dutch efforts in the Sahel 2019-2022 | Dutch efforts in the Sahel 2019-2022 | Dutch efforts in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel | Dutch efforts in the Sahel |

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Sub-Saharan Africa Department (DAF) P.O. Box 20061 | 2500 EB The Hague