The UNODC report of January 2023 highlights the trafficking of medical products in the Sahel, including falsified, substandard and unauthorized medicines. Between January 2017 and December 2021, more than 605 tons of these products were seized during international police operations. The investigation reveals the involvement of various actors, including employees of pharmaceutical companies, civil servants, law enforcement officers, members of health agencies and street vendors, all motivated by financial gain. This trafficking seriously compromises public health and security in the region.

Security, Trafic, Santé publique, Médicament

The WATHI article highlights the risks associated with the proliferation of weapons destined for Ukraine, which could be diverted to unstable regions such as the Sahel. Institutions such as Europol and UNODC warn that the massive influx of weapons into Ukraine provides opportunities for criminal networks and traffickers, exploiting gaps in control systems. This situation recalls historical precedents where weapons, initially supplied for specific conflicts, have fuelled violence in other regions. The Sahel, already weakened by the presence of armed groups such as JNIM, EIGS and Boko Haram, is particularly vulnerable to these illicit flows. Countries in this region, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, could see their stability further compromised. Faced with this threat, the article calls for strengthened regional cooperation, rigorous traceability of weapons and increased awareness of the international community to prevent further instability in the Sahel.

Security, Cooperation, Violence, Illegal activity, Groupes armés non étatiques, Trafic