Question 61 from UPSC CSE 2024 - Internatio nal Relations

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. Statement-I: There is instability and a worsening security situation in the Sahel region.
2. Statement-II: There have been military takeovers/coups d'Ã©tat in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

Strategy: Identify the core cause-and-effect relationship: persistent military coups (Statement-II) directly contribute to instability and security deterioration (Statement-I) in the Sahel. Both statements are supported by recent headlines and global security reports. Matching such patterns--where specific events (coups) clearly drive the condition (instability)--facilitates quick validation that Statement-II explains Statement-I.

Key Info: The Sahel is a semi-arid region of Africa, stretching across the continent south of the Sahara Desert and north of the Sudanian savannas. It includes countries like Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mauritania. The region has long been plagued by:
- Political instability
- Ethno-religious tensions
- Jihadi insurgencies
- Food insecurity
- Governance challenges

### Recent Military Coups
Military coups have occurred frequently, contributing to the region's instability:
-   **Mali:** 2020, 2021
-   **Burkina Faso:** 2022 (twice)
-   **Chad:** 2021 (following the president's death)
-   **Niger:** 2023

These coups have led to transitional military governments, suspension of constitutions, international isolation, and weakened state institutions. The resulting instability fosters the growth of armed non-state actors and terrorist groups (such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda affiliates), causing widespread displacement and humanitarian crises.

Global organizations, including the United Nations and African Union, have repeatedly cited military takeovers as a major destabilizing factor, worsening security in the Sahel. This is exemplified by rising violence, cross-border insecurity, and the erosion of civilian rule.

Answer

Option B: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

Answer

Option C: Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

Answer

Option D: Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct