Youth Bulges in the Sahel: A Demographic Threat?

Research suggests that there is a clear correlation between large youthful age cohorts – so-called ‘youth bulges’ – and the risk of political violence. High unemployment and political and economic marginalization have been highlighted as some of the structural reasons why countries facing these forms of demographic challenges are more susceptible to armed conflict and terrorism. Does the presence of youth bulges explain the increasing security challenges in the Sahel region – especially Mali? This policy brief explores the relationship between population, peace and security, and offers reccomendations for how to address the region’s insecurities in the long term.