Missouri State University’s Master of International Affairs (MIA) program, part of the Department of Political Science and Philosophy, will host a discussion on Africa’s Sahel region from 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Meyer Library Auditorium.

Featured speaker Dr. Leonardo Villalón will present “A Perfect Storm in the World’s Poorest Region: Security, Democracy and Climate Change in Africa’s Sahel.”

Villalón is Professor of Political Science and African Studies at the University of Florida.

“Dr. Villalón is one of the world’s foremost experts on Sahelian politics,” said Dr. Gabriel Ondetti, Clif and Gail Smart Professor of Political Science and MIA program director. “He has published numerous books, articles and book chapters on the region.”

The event is free and open to the public.

Sahel region seen as area of concern

Ondetti said recent political turmoil in the Sahel region made Africa an appropriate topic for discussion.

“The growth of Islamist groups there has become a significant concern of US policymakers, so it seemed like a good subregion of Africa to focus on,” Ondetti said. He added that policymakers believe the Sahel is attracting Russian and Iranian involvement as well.

According to Dr. Ashley Leinweber, associate professor and Africa specialist in the political science department, five military coups have taken place in the West African states of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger since 2021. “All three countries are facing threats from al-Qaeda and ISIS affiliated groups,” she noted.

As recently as Sept. 17 an al-Qaeda affiliated terror group attacked military installations in Mali, causing 77 deaths and hundreds of injuries, she added.

Climate change a disruptive force

In addition to security threats, the Sahel is experiencing instability caused by climate change, which is turning the semi-arid grassland to desert, Ondetti said.

“Some experts believe this process has intensified conflict in the Sahel by increasing competition for land and water between nomadic livestock herders and farmers,” Ondetti explained. “Areas where herding groups used to take their animals are no longer viable, so these groups are increasingly encroaching on land traditionally used by farmers. Of course, that in turn threatens the welfare of the farmers.”

Ondetti said it is not clear whether there is a direct connection between climate change and the Islamist terrorist groups. The herder-farmer conflict, however, has heightened the sense of social and political crisis in the Sahel.

Supporting MSU’s public affairs mission

Villalón’s talk is part of a series of events the MIA program has organized in recent years on key international issues. This is just one way the program supports MSU’s public affairs mission.

“Researching and teaching about international politics is a big part of what our department does,” Ondetti said. “It is the core mission of the MIA program.”

The MIA program also offers its students professional networking, education and career opportunities. For example, Villalón was Leinweber’s dissertation advisor, and two recent MIA graduates are currently enrolled in University of Florida’s political science doctoral program, according to Ondetti.

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