From 1-3 March, consultations were held between the AU, UN, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and G5 Sahel on the Joint Strategic Assessment (JSA) of Security and Governance in the Sahel. 

The participants underscored the need for in-depth analysis of the situation in the Sahel and highlighted the critical importance of rethinking the concept, strategy and approach towards addressing the interconnected issues of peace, security, governance and stability in the Sahel. They also agreed to focus on four strategic pillars namely, governance, security, financing and political cooperation partnership as the building blocks for the JSA. The AU delegation was led by the AU Commission’s Chief of Staff, Mohamed El-Hasen Lebatt. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNOAU (SRSG UNOAU), Hanna Tetteh participated virtually in the principals’ level meeting which was organised by UN head-quarters. A conclusions and way forward document has been prepared and shared with participants for feedback. The document envisages a strategic assessment focussing on the G5 Sahel region with full consideration of the wider Sahel, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), the Lake Chad Basin, and wider political influences in the region. UNOAU stands ready to provide technical experts to the assessment as needed.