Introduction
Africa continues to confront myriad challenges in its security governance. This development has partly contributed to the continent’s developmental crisis (Raga, Lemma & Keane, 2023; Adedoyin, 2014; Bøås, 2019). Despite concerted efforts by some African countries in this regard, it is disheartening to note that, even into the 21st century, the modest gains made over the years to improve security governance in Africa have hardly been sustained. The continent’s security network has remained contentious for various reasons, leading to porous and weak regional and national security systems. Security governance in Africa remains a critical issue due to widespread carnage, brutality, pogroms, and acts of genocide stemming from persistent civil wars, communal clashes, and religious conflicts (Nnoli, 2006).
Between the 1980s and 2000, Africa recorded unprecedented violence, including extra-judicial killings, political oppression and repression, ethnic massacres, and other forms of violence (Nwizu & Alozie, 2018).
The increasing insecurity in the Sahel and surrounding regions poses a serious threat not only to local governments but also to the stability of neighbouring states and the African continent as a whole. Security contagion, exacerbated by flimsy state structures, fragile borders, and difficult socioeconomic conditions, is a pervasive problem throughout Africa (Nwizu & Alozie, 2018; Nnoli, 2006). Numerous incidents of conflicts and security threats spilling over from one nation to neighbouring states have destabilized entire areas. For instance, the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria has had a significant impact on Chad, Niger, and Cameroon (Awosusi, 2017). Similarly, instability from conflicts in the Sahel—particularly in Mali and Burkina Faso—has spread to other parts of West Africa (Yabi, 2024). Terrorist groups, foreign mercenaries, and regional conflicts spill across national borders, exacerbating instability and further weakening already fragile states (Andrews & Obi, 2024; Acemoglu, Malekian, & Ozdaglar, 2016).
There are broadly two schools of thought for tackling security contagion, especially that driven by terrorism and transnational threats. The first focuses on violent interventions—military strikes, counterterrorism operations, and the use of force to neutralise immediate threats. The second involves systematically oriented, non-violent approaches, which emphasise diplomacy, governance reform, and addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty and inequality. Whereas the former provides a functional short-term solution, it often creates dysfunction in the long term by destabilising communities and perpetuating cycles of violence.
This paper posits that while violent responses may be necessary, they must be approached with caution due to their potential to disrupt the social and political fabric of affected regions. Using functionalism as a theoretical framework, this paper examines how violent interventions can be initially functional in addressing immediate threats but often prove dysfunctional due to long-term instability. The paper references the 2015 film Eye in the Sky—where a military mission spirals into a moral dilemma with unintended consequences—to highlight the complexity and dangers of relying solely on force. It advocates for a multilateral approach focused on diplomacy, regional cooperation, and sustainable development to address the root causes of insecurity in the Sahel. It argues that through functional analysis, social systems like governments, international institutions, and regional organisations must collaborate to achieve lasting peace and security in the region.
Theoretical Framework: Structural Functionalism and Its Application to Security in the Sahel
Structural functionalism, a sociological theory, examines how various aspects of society work together to sustain stability and social control (Smith, 2014; Pope, 1975). It seeks to understand the role of institutions, systems, and norms in the operation of a wider social system (Ormerod, 2019; Kronenfeld, 2005).
From a structural-functionalism perspective, violent interventions may serve immediate security objectives but often disrupt the delicate balance of social structures, leading to negative long-term consequences (Merton, 1976). While violence may temporarily address the presence of terrorists or insurgents, it often causes unintended harm to civilian populations, undermines governance, and results in greater instability (Wahab, 2024; Choudhury & Fenwick, 2011). This dysfunction occurs when military intervention reinforces the root causes of insecurity by deepening mistrust, destabilising governments, and fostering resentment and resistance among local populations.
Structural functionalism encourages a broader understanding of security—not just as the immediate defeat of violent actors but as the restoration and maintenance of social order. This requires addressing underlying issues such as poverty, governance, and regional cooperation.
The Movie: Eye in the Sky
The film Eye in the Sky highlights the complexities of modern warfare, where technological advancements, such as drone strikes, have led to rapid escalation and unintended consequences. It serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable outcomes of violent solutions, especially when innocent lives are at stake and geopolitical tensions are high.
The Dangers of Violent Solutions and the Need for Multilateral Cooperation
The film underscores the risks of military operations that escalate without considering broader consequences. Similarly, in the Sahel, violent interventions may temporarily neutralize threats but often lead to unintended and long-term dysfunction. Military responses—whether by local forces or foreign mercenaries—frequently harm civilians, foster resentment, and weaken regional stability (Seneviratne, Abbey, & Onishi, 2023; Macharia, 2016; Sauvet et al., 2009).
Violence provides a temporary semblance of order but fails to address structural drivers of conflict, such as poverty, lack of governance, and inequality. It exacerbates insecurity by fueling cycles of revenge and undermining reconciliation efforts, creating enduring scars on regional social systems.
The Need for a Multilateral, Functional Approach
The Sahel’s porous borders—especially between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—facilitate the spread of terrorist activities. Increased military action in one country often pushes militant groups into neighbouring territories, spreading insecurity.
Rather than escalating violence, West African governments should prioritize multilateral approaches that foster long-term stability. Active regional organisations, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, and the United Nations, can mediate and facilitate negotiations between conflicting parties. These organisations play a crucial role in maintaining social order and stability by ensuring harmony among the region’s social systems.
Multilateral efforts focusing on diplomacy, development, and governance can address both the symptoms and root causes of insecurity. Such approaches strengthen regional social systems and provide a sustainable framework for lasting peace.
Conclusion
The film Eye in the Sky serves as a compelling reminder of the risks of military solutions to complex problems. In the Sahel, violent interventions may seem functional in the short term but often lead to greater dysfunction and instability in the long run.
The international community must avoid simplistic, violent responses and instead embrace multilateral cooperation that respects sovereignty, advances diplomatic dialogue, and addresses the root causes of instability. Collaboration, multilateralism, and a recognition of the limitations of violence are essential to breaking the cycle of security contagion and building a peaceful future for the Sahel and Africa as a whole.
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