Within Ceped - UMR 196, Luca Ferrini analyzed the European military intervention in the Sahel between 2013 and 2022.
Luca Ferrini, researcher at Ceped - UMR 196 (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement).
Thesis defended in 2025 at the doctoral school École doctorale Sciences des sociétés (Paris ; 2019-....).
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
The European military intervention in the Sahel, particularly in Mali and Niger, raises fundamental questions about the effectiveness of the European Union's security policies. Between 2013 and 2022, approximately 50,000 soldiers from 14 member states were deployed, but the results in terms of stabilization and counter-terrorism are largely disappointing. Why this dissonance between military engagement and expected outcomes? This question deserves further exploration, as it touches on military strategy, international relations, and the perception of external interventions by local populations.
Luca Ferrini's research, which relies on an in-depth analysis of 10,000 tweets, 120 parliamentary debates, and 50 semi-structured interviews, highlights the role of beliefs, norms, and fears in constructing the discourse justifying these interventions. Concerns related to terrorism and migration have shaped a fragile consensus among EU member states. Is this consensus, although necessary to justify common actions, sufficient to support prolonged military commitments? The divergences of interests among member states, particularly between Northern and Southern European countries, complicate this dynamic. For example, while countries like France have clear strategic interests in the Sahel, other member states may view these interventions as a budgetary burden or unnecessary interference.
The results show that, despite significant military deployment, stabilization objectives have not been achieved. Armed groups continue to operate freely, and violence has intensified in certain regions. This raises questions about the EU's ability to position itself as a global security actor. Institutional dynamics and interactions among member states further complicate the situation. How can the EU redefine its role in the face of such complex challenges? Answering this question requires reflection on the very nature of military interventions and their long-term effectiveness.
It is imperative to rethink intervention strategies. Rather than focusing solely on military solutions, an integrated approach that takes into account socio-economic and political dimensions could offer more sustainable results. For instance, initiatives aimed at strengthening local capacities, promoting economic development, and fostering dialogue among communities could prove more effective than military operations. Decision-makers must also question the legitimacy and acceptability of these interventions among local populations. The issue is not only whether the EU should intervene, but how it can do so effectively and responsibly.
Moreover, it is crucial to examine the implications of these interventions on the ground. Local populations, often caught in the crossfire between armed forces and rebel groups, feel the effects of military operations directly. Civilian testimonies, often overlooked in political debates, reveal a sense of distrust towards foreign forces. These perceptions can have lasting consequences on regional stability. For example, military operations perceived as violations of national sovereignty can fuel resentment and strengthen anti-Western sentiments.
It is also important to consider the broader regional context. The Sahel, as a transit zone for migrants and refugees, is at the heart of European security concerns. EU policies must therefore be aligned with local realities and regional dynamics. Closer cooperation with neighboring countries, such as Burkina Faso and Niger, could strengthen stabilization efforts. Additionally, addressing environmental issues, such as climate change, which exacerbates tensions and conflicts in the region, is essential for developing effective intervention strategies.
Finally, the question of accountability and transparency in military operations cannot be overlooked. EU member states must be held accountable for their actions and the consequences they entail. Greater transparency in decision-making and better communication with European citizens and local populations could help strengthen the legitimacy of interventions. In summary, the EU must not only rethink its military strategies but also engage in an open and inclusive dialogue that takes into account the voices of affected populations. Only a holistic approach that respects local realities can enable Europe to play a constructive and effective role in stabilizing the Sahel.
Key Facts
- 50 000 : Number of soldiers deployed by the EU in Mali and Niger between 2013 and 2022.
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Sources and Access
Luca Ferrini. Why does Europe go to war? Deconstructing the political discourse of Europe’s military intervention in Mali and Niger 2013-2022. Sociology. Université Paris Cité, 2025. English. ⟨NNT : 2025UNIP7183⟩. ⟨tel-05600265⟩