Japan's Official Development Assistance White Paper 2013
(4) Sahel Region
The “Sahel (Note 15) countries” generally include the following eight countries – Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, although there is no strict definition.
Due to the poverty and vulnerabilities of its state functions, the Sahel region has become a breeding ground for the illicit trade of firearms and narcotic drugs and organized crimes such as kidnapping. Moreover, as a result of the collapse of the Government of Libya in 2011, firearms and ammunition have flooded into the Sahel region, making it easier for terrorists to obtain firearms.
In 2012, the political situation in Mali became unstable, triggered by an insurgency launched by some members of the national army. Further, in 2013, Islamic extremists seized control of northern Mali. The French armed forces have been conducting military interventions to quash the terrorists, and UN PKO forces have been deployed. Due to such influences, refugees are not only generated in Mali but also escaping to other neighboring countries. The international community including Japan has been actively providing support for the refugees.
<Japan’s Efforts>
Following the terrorist attack (Note 16) at the Tiguentourine gas plant in Algeria in January 2013, Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida announced the three pillars of foreign policy (Note 17) on January 29. In addition, at TICAD V in June 2013, Japan pledged to continue providing support for the consolidation of peace, and has been rapidly promoting efforts to bring peace and stability to the Sahel region.
In March 2013, Japan announced its continuation of contribution to Mali refugees through approximately $120 million. It provided food and tents for accommodation to refugees who escaped from Mali to neighboring countries, as well as provided support for the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation (PKO) Training Center in order to improve military and police capacities in West African countries.
Further, Japan has been implementing the following counter-terrorism measures in the Sahel region: (i) the Project for Strengthening Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Capacities in the Sahel Region (approximately $6.81 million); (ii) the Project for Supporting the Consolidation of the Rule of Law and Access to Justice for the Poor Population (approximately $3 million) in Burkina Faso; and (iii) the Project for Consolidation of Peace, Security and Justice (approximately $3 million) in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
These assistance projects aim to contribute to improving public safety and reducing the threat of potential terrorist attacks in the Sahel region by strengthening the region’s ability to deal with the increase in inflow and proliferation of small firearms and improve judicial services. Through these projects, it is expected that the coping ability of the whole region will be improved.
In order to establish peace and stability in the Sahel region, Japan will work more closely with the countries in the Sahel region, international organizations, and other assistance organizations to provide steady assistance.
Note 15: “Sahel” is a semi-arid region that stretches along the southern edge of the Sahara desert. It generally refers to West Africa; however, in some cases it includes Sudan and the Horn of Africa area. The word “Sahel” originated from 
(sāhil), which means a coast in Arabic. The Sahel countries are also called the countries at the southern edge of the Sahara Desert.
Note 16: An armed group attacked a natural gas plant in the Tiguentourine area in eastern Algeria and barricaded inside the plant, taking the workers and other people as hostages. Algerian military forces managed to control the situation by January 19. However, 40 people died, including 10 Japanese nationals.
Note 17: The three pillars are: (1) strengthening of measures against international terrorism; (2) support for the stabilization of Sahel, North Africa, and Middle East regions; and (3) promotion of dialogue and exchange with Islamic and Arab countries.