Governance and Instability: Political Disruption in Mali and the Sahel Region

The Sahel region has faced persistent political instability and numerous military coups, with Mali being a prime example from 2012 to 2023. The collapse of Libya in 2011 had a profound impact on Mali's conflict dynamics, leading to an influx of arms and experienced fighters that worsened existing tensions and insurgencies. This period was marked by recurrent coups, reflecting deep governance issues and escalating ethno-religious tensions. The involvement of external actors, including international interventions, has been crucial yet contentious, underscoring Mali's reliance on foreign military support. Therefore, this paper examined the complex nature of political instability in Mali, focusing on the interactions between regional conflicts, governance problems, and international interventions, and assessing the broader implications for peace and security in the Sahel. Anchored on the Spillover Theory and employing a qualitative research design with content analysis, the findings revealed that the Libyan civil war significantly escalated the Malian conflict by facilitating the spread of arms and fighters. Recurrent coups in Mali have highlighted governance failures and heightened ethno-religious tensions, complicating stability efforts. While external interventions are necessary, they also emphasized Mali's dependency on foreign support, calling for more sustainable approaches. The broader implications for the Sahel include increased regional instability, the spread of extremist groups, and socio-economic challenges. Therefore, the paper recommended among others, strengthening regional cooperation and local governance capacities, emphasizing inclusive political processes and sustainable development strategies to build resilience and promote long-term stability in the Sahel.