Question Details

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region.
Statement-II: There have been military takeovers/coups d’etat in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Options

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

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

Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option A

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

Solution :

The correct option is Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.

Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Analysis of Statement-I:
Statement-I states: "There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region."
The Sahel region of Africa (spanning countries like Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Sudan) has faced severe security challenges over the last decade. This instability is driven by a combination of factors, including violent extremist insurgencies (associated with groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS), ethnic conflicts, weak state presence, climate change, and deep economic hardships. Therefore, Statement-I is correct.

2. Analysis of Statement-II:
Statement-II states: "There have been military takeovers/coups d’etat in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past."
In recent years, the Sahel region has witnessed a series of military coups. For example, Mali experienced coups in 2020 and 2021, Chad had a military takeover in 2021, Guinea in 2021, Burkina Faso experienced two coups in 2022, and Niger's military seized power in 2023. Thus, Statement-II is also correct.

3. Link between Statement-I and Statement-II:
The military takeovers (coups d'état) in the Sahel region have directly contributed to, accelerated, and explained the severe political instability and the overall worsening security situation. The overthrow of democratic governments by military juntas disrupted constitutional order, weakened regional counter-terrorism cooperation, and led to the withdrawal of international security partners, which allowed insurgent groups to expand their influence and aggravate the security crisis further. Consequently, Statement-II provides a direct explanation for the situation described in Statement-I.