Security in the Sahel: Niger's Emerging Youth Bulge and Case for America's New Light Attack Aircraft
Abstract
The Sahel region in West Africa is becoming increasingly turbulent for Americas warfighters against an ever-growing violent extremist organization (VEO) threat. The October 4, 2017 attacks on U.S. troops in Niger has sparked much debate on U.S. Africa Commands role in sub-Sahara Africa. To date, the discussion lacks focus on the regions broad social challenges and security implications. Niger lies in the center of the Sahel with a vast territory consisting largely of inhospitable terrain, lacking security and becoming an increasing safe-haven for VEOs. More challenging, however, is Nigers emerging youth bulge, which if proper whole-of-government measures are not taken by the U.S. and regional partners, the prospect for recruiting due to low opportunity cost and economic greed becomes an increasing reality on the periphery. Without a credible organic air component in the region, the U.S. Air Forces new light attack aircraft provides a solution to strengthen security against VEOs while providing a pathway for a regional light attack Task Force allowing African nations to fight African conflicts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1098350
Entities
People
- Maxwell W. Cover
Organizations
- Air University