Consider the following statements

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’état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a)

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

(b)

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

(c)

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

(d)

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

Answer:

(a)

Explanation

Both statements are correct regarding the Sahel region: Statement-I: The Sahel region, which spans across Africa just south of the Sahara Desert, has been facing significant instability and a deteriorating security situation. This instability is primarily due to factors such as ethnic conflicts, terrorism (including groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS), weak governance, poverty, and climate change impacts (like desertification and drought). Statement-II: There have indeed been military takeovers or coups d’état in some countries within the Sahel region in recent years. For example, Mali experienced coups in 2012, 2020, and 2021. Niger also faced a coup in 2021. These coups have often been driven by dissatisfaction with governance, perceived corruption, and the inability of civilian governments to effectively address security challenges. Therefore, the correct answer in relation to the given statements would be that both statements are correct regarding the Sahel region and statement II is explains statement I. https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15169.doc.htm https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/conflict-areas-in-africa/