Events

Back

Counterterrorism Dynamics in the Sahel: Strategic Pathways for Regional Stability

From

22
9:00 am July 2026
Add to Calendar 2026-07-22 09:00:00 2026-07-21 02:34:57 Counterterrorism Dynamics in the Sahel: Strategic Pathways for Regional Stability Description Location Policy Center Policy Center Africa/Casablanca public



By Invitation

In line with its commitment to fostering informed dialogue on emerging geopolitical and security challenges, the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) and NATO Strategic Direction South Hub (NSD-S HUB) partner to convene a closed-door roundtable in Rabat entitled: “Counterterrorism Dynamics in the Sahel: Strategic Pathways for Regional Stability.”

This roundtable will bring together experts to examine the evolving dynamics of terrorism and insecurity in the Sahel, one of the most volatile regions in the international security landscape.

The roundtable aims to explore the evolving nature of terrorist threats across the Sahel, assess the effectiveness and limitations of existing counterterrorism strategies, and identify opportunities for enhanced cooperation between regional stakeholders and international partners.

Particular attention will be given to the broader structural drivers of instability, including governance challenges, local conflict dynamics, and socio-economic vulnerabilities that continue to shape the region’s security environment.

By fostering open and forward-looking exchanges under the Chatham House Rule, the roundtable seeks to generate practical insights and policy reflections that can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the Sahel’s evolving security landscape and inform future approaches to stabilization and counterterrorism cooperation.

Agenda

Wednesday, July 22, 2026
09:00 – 09:30Welcome Coffee
09:30 – 09:45

Introductory Remarks

Karim El Aynaoui, Executive President, Policy Center for the New South

Ioannis Stratogiannis, Director, NATO Strategic Direction South Hub

09:45 – 11:15

Roundtable Discussion I

The Evolving Security Landscape in the Sahel

Moderator
Chaïma Jabbar, Research Analyst, Policy Center for the New South

Speakers
Fadoua Ammari, Researcher, Hassan II University
Abdoul Azizou Garba, Associate Researcher, Centre for International Crisis and Conflict Studies (CECRI)
Mady Ibrahim Kante, Lecturer and researcher, Kurukanfuga University in Bamako
Rida Lyammouri, Senior Fellow, Policy Center for the New South

11:15 – 11:45Coffee Break
11:45 – 13:15

Roundtable Discussion II

Counterterrorism Strategies: Lessons Learned and Current Challenges

Moderator
Sarah El-Menawi, North Africa and Sahel Engagement Officer, NATO Strategic Direction South Hub

Speakers
Salem Al Hasi, Nonresident Fellow, Stimson Center
Abdelhak Bassou, Senior Fellow, Policy Center for the New South
Zineb Benalla, CEO, Eirene Associates
Djenabou Cissé, Associate Researcher, the Foundation for Strategic Research

13:15 – 14:45Lunch
14:45 – 16:15

Roundtable Discussion III

Regional and International Cooperation: Future Pathways

Moderator
Bilal Mahli, International Relations Specialist, Policy Center for the New South

Speakers
Emadeddin Badi, Senior Strategic Adviser, Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance
Mohammed Loulichki, Senior Fellow, Policy Center for the New South
Djalil Lounnas, Associate Professor of International Studies, Al Akhawayn University

16:15 – 16:25

Debrief | Summary of Discussions

Sarah El-Menawi, North Africa and Sahel Engagement Officer, NATO Strategic Direction South Hub

16:25 – 16:40

Closing Remarks

Ioannis Stratogiannis, Director, NATO Strategic Direction South Hub

Abdelhak Bassou, Senior Fellow, Policy Center for the New South

16:40 – 17:00Farewell, Networking Coffee