Sovereignty, Border Securitization, and Cross-Border Insurgency: Assessing Security Dynamics along the Sahelian Tri-Border Frontier

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 15, No. 10, October 2024 | pp. 82–90

DOI: 10.46882/2024/GJPCS/151001

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Sovereignty, Border Securitization, and Cross-Border Insurgency: Assessing Security Dynamics along the Sahelian Tri-Border Frontier

Authors: Amina J. Diallo¹, Youssef Al-Masri²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Bamako, Bamako, Mali; ²Department of Political Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

Abstract:
The rapid escalation of localized military insurgencies and subsequent cross-border incursions across the Liptako-Gourma frontier has redefined regional border security frameworks and heightened geopolitical friction between adjacent states in the Sahel. This study presents a systematic analysis of structural drivers behind cross-border militant movements and evaluates the security outcomes of unilateral state border militarization projects. Utilizing a mixed-methods research framework that combines satellite geographical surveillance data from 2021 to 2023 with key informant security interviews, we dissect frontier operational vulnerabilities. The field data demonstrates that insurgent networks exploit porous desert geography, shared ethnic marginalization, and high border-zone unemployment to establish resilient operational structures. Quantitative metrics establish that frontier regions operating without integrated, bilateral border communication matrices experience a 65% higher rate of unauthorized border skirmishes and black-market smuggling operations. The paper demonstrates that heavy-handed tactical military sweeps fail to suppress cross-border networks when they ignore rural development. We conclude that sustainable frontier stabilization requires transitioning from unilateral fortification toward bilateral customs checking frameworks and international resource sharing programs.

Keywords: Cross-Border Insurgency; Border Securitization; Sahelian Frontier; Tri-Border Security; Tactical Vulnerabilities; Regional Friction

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 05, 2022; Revised: September 02, 2022; Accepted: November 15, 2022; Published: October 14, 2024

Citation: Diallo, A. J., & Al-Masri, Y. (2024). Sovereignty, Border Securitization, and Cross-Border Insurgency: Assessing Security Dynamics along the Sahelian Tri-Border Frontier. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 15(10), 82–90. DOI: 10.46882/2024/GJPCS/151001

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