Abuja, June 21, 2025 – Development experts and policy stakeholders have called for urgent political will and improved governance to effectively combat the deepening climate crisis and persistent conflicts plaguing the Sahel region.
This position was echoed at a high-level policy dialogue held in Abuja, where participants underscored the urgent need for coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable strategies to confront the escalating environmental degradation and insecurity threatening livelihoods and stability across West Africa.
According to the experts, weak institutions, poor resource management, and a lack of responsive political leadership have aggravated the effects of climate change in the region, leading to rising displacement, food insecurity, and violent competition over land and water.
“Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a security and development challenge,” one of the lead contributors noted. “What we need is a leadership that recognises the urgency of the moment and is willing to take bold, integrated action.”
Speakers emphasised that the solution lies in building climate-resilient communities, investing in clean energy, and creating economic alternatives for populations most affected by climate stress. They also called for better coordination between national governments, regional institutions, and international partners in funding and implementing adaptive policies.
The dialogue stressed the importance of amplifying the voices of youth, women, and vulnerable groups in shaping climate and security responses, while urging policymakers to adopt a holistic approach that links environmental sustainability with peacebuilding and development goals.
Participants agreed that without firm political commitment, proactive governance, and inclusive development planning, the Sahel could face further destabilisation with spillover effects across the continent.
The gathering concluded with a renewed call for governments in the region to mainstream climate action into national development agendas, foster transparency, and enhance regional cooperation to safeguard the future of the Sahel and its people.