Strategic Alignment in the Sahel
Czech – Mauritanian Cooperation within a Multilateral Security Framework
The creation of a Mauritanian military unit, trained by Czech special forces, reflects a deliberate and coordinated international response to the evolving security dynamics of the Sahel region. Authorized by the Czech parliament in late 2024, this two-year mission involves the deployment of up to thirty Czech soldiers tasked with building the operational capacities of Mauritania’s armed forces. As part of NATO’s broader engagement in West Africa, the initiative is positioned at the intersection of counterterrorism, migration management, and geopolitical stabilization, particularly in view of increasing Russian and Chinese activities in the region.
This strategic orientation was further underscored by the recent visit of Czech President Petr Pavel to Nouakchott. Leveraging his experience as a former general and NATO chairman, President Pavel reaffirmed Mauritania’s role as a rare anchor of stability in an otherwise fragile regional context. His remarks emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation under the transatlantic umbrella. A senior Czech officer involved in the mission noted that the training aims not only to improve tactical readiness, but also to enhance Mauritania’s ability to counter non-state armed groups and resist external malign influence, particularly from Russia.
Parallel to NATO’s engagement, the European Union continues to advance its security assistance to Mauritania through the European Peace Facility. The latest disbursement, approved in March 2025, provides €20 million in military equipment, raising total EU support to €47 million. This investment is structured to support the country’s territorial defence, contribute to the stabilization of the Sahel, and reinforce protections for civilian populations in high-risk areas.
Diplomatic engagement further consolidates this trilateral cooperation. Discussions between Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský and Mauritanian Defence Minister Hanan Ould Sidi have reinforced mutual priorities in defence and humanitarian cooperation. These consultations reflect Mauritania’s proactive counterterrorism posture and Czechia’s commitment to a comprehensive, partnership-based approach to regional security.
In sum, the convergence of NATO’s operational support, the EU’s financial assistance, and Czechia’s bilateral diplomacy illustrates a coherent and forward-looking strategy. This integrated approach not only enhances Mauritania’s defence capabilities but also contributes to regional stability in a strategically sensitive corridor between North and sub-Saharan Africa.
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A Fragile Ceasefire in Eastern DRC
Amid ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), two nearly identical statements released on April 23, 2025, announced an immediate ceasefire. One was signed in Goma by a member of the rebel group AFC/M23—someone not even officially part of the delegation—and the other was issued by the Congolese government in Kinshasa.
Ituri Under Surveillance
Rising Security Concerns The political fragmentation in eastern DRC continues to threaten the fragile stability of Ituri. The failure of the Doha process and the breakdown of the republican pact could pave the way for a new wave of unrest in the region. On April 22, 2025, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with leaders of the Lendu militia CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo) in Entebbe. Officially, the meeting was convened to address CODECO’s attack on Ugandan military positions in Ituri, a confrontation that adds to past clashes between the group and the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Key Figures and Discussions The CODECO delegation, led by Dunji Kulukpa Etienne (Vice President of the Lendu community), included political and militant representatives. On the Ugandan side, top-ranking officials participated: • General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, CDF • Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, Land Forces Commander • Major General Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division • Brigadier General Oscar Munanura, Deputy Assistant Chief of Intelligence and Security Earlier in the week, CODECO leaders had already engaged with Ugandan military commanders. During the Entebbe meeting, Mr. Dunji expressed gratitude for Uganda’s reception and apologized for the Fataki clashes between CODECO and the UPDF. He claimed the militia had been influenced by external forces and emphasized that the Lendu, Balega, and Bahema communities do not view Uganda as an adversary. Dunji also highlighted Ituri’s worsening humanitarian crisis, attributing it to political divisions, while praising Uganda’s contributions in healthcare, refugee assistance, and economic aid. Uganda’s Expanding Influence in Ituri General Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda’s historical presence in North Kivu and Ituri, citing counter-insurgency operations dating back to the early 2000s. He urged CODECO leaders to collaborate with the UPDF in pursuit of a lasting peace. As a demonstration of goodwill, Ugandan forces provided free medical care to wounded CODECO fighters. Strategic Implications: A Larger Agenda? While Uganda frames this meeting as a step toward reconciliation, analysts at African Security Analysis suggest a deeper motive. They argue that the gathering was part of a broader effort to integrate CODECO into the militant coalition led by Thomas Lubanga, potentially setting the stage for coordinated offensives in Ituri, particularly targeting Bunia. If confirmed, this would signal a significant shift in the security landscape, with Uganda deepening its influence in Ituri under the guise of conflict resolution. The region remains under scrutiny as stakeholders assess the evolving dynamics.
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