The Mali crisis of 2012/2013 demonstrated that the security and political issues affecting the Sahel-Sahara region go beyond the borders of this landlocked country. Consequently, Switzerland decided to address the political, security, humanitarian and development challenges from a regional and complementary perspective. This led, three years ago, to the development of “Strategic axes for Switzerland’s commitment in the Sahel” for 2014 to 2018, establishing a framework for any Swiss intervention in this region. All of the departments and offices engaged in the Sahel region contributed to the shaping, and then the drafting of this document.
The unprecedented mobilization of the international community around the peace process in Mali, and now in the implementation of the agreement for peace and reconciliation signed a year ago, reflects the concern and the importance attached by international actors to the Sahel region and in particular to Mali. It is in this context that Switzerland started to develop a joint cooperation strategy for Mali (2017-2020), which is based on the coordinated implementation of three Swiss foreign policy instruments, namely South Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), as well as the Human Security Division. It will be implemented in accordance with the principles of an approach that is both flexible (rapid adaptation of programs to the changing context) and conflict-sensitive (proximity with populations, political dialogue, commitments with a wide spectrum of actors).
With this new strategy, Switzerland remains committed to establishing lasting peace and reducing poverty in Mali. The strategy will take into account the root causes that led to the dual crisis (rebellion and coup d’état) that has struck Mali, including bad governance and increasing inequality. Subject to subsequent approval, this new strategy is expected to be built around the following three areas: 1) rural development and food security, 2) basic education and professional training, and 3) governance and peace. By so doing, Switzerland will contribute actively to the implementation of the Agreement for peace and reconciliation in Mali.
An annual budget of CHF 25 million (of which CHF 20 million will come from the South Cooperation) will be allocated to the implementation of this strategy.
Vincent Conus, Human Security Division of the FDFA
