The Lawfare Podcast

Lawfare Daily: Dispatches from the Sahel, with Rachel Chason and John Lechner

Feb 28, 2025

Rachel Chason, West Africa bureau chief for The Washington Post, and John Lechner, a freelance journalist and author focusing on the Sahel, delve into the turmoil of the region. Chason shares insights from her series "Crossroads of Conflict," which profiles key actors, from Islamist militants to Russian mercenaries. Lechner discusses motivations behind mercenary actions and the intricate legacy of foreign military presence, particularly the declining French influence, shaping local perceptions. They explore the challenges faced by the press and local communities in a landscape fraught with conflict and distrust.

48:29

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Episode guests

John Lechner

Rachel Chason

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Local agency is crucial in the Sahel's conflict resolution, emphasizing the need for community self-defense against jihadist groups.

The suppression of media freedom and the targeting of journalists illustrate the pressing challenges to accountability and transparency in the region.

Deep dives

The Fight Against Jihadists in the Sahel

Burkina Faso is currently facing a critical struggle against jihadist groups, leading to a notable rise in militias to combat these threats. A militia has been successfully raised, vastly increasing its numbers and resources, reflecting the urgent need for local communities to defend themselves. The podcast emphasizes the importance of local agency in resolving conflicts, arguing that solutions must come from within the affected regions rather than relying solely on foreign military assistance. This local empowerment is crucial in addressing the complex dynamics of violence and governance in the Sahel.

Intro

3min

Navigating the Sahel: Profiles of Conflict and Agency

19min

Exploring Motivations Behind Mercenary Actions

6min

Navigating Complex Perceptions of Foreign Military Presence in the Sahel

3min

Exploring the Legacy of Colonialism and Anti-French Sentiments in Africa

3min

Pressing Challenges in the Sahel

18min

Insights into Conflict Reporting and Private Warfare

2min

On today’s episode, the Washington Post's West Africa bureau chief Rachel Chason and freelance journalist John Lechner join Lawfare Managing Editor Tyler McBrien to talk about the current state of the Sahel and the many forces that have converged in the region over the past couple of years.

They discussed Chason’s new series out in the Post, “Crossroads of Conflict,” which includes six rich portraits of Sahelian actors, including: an Islamist militant, a militia commander, a Russian mercenary, an American soldier, a coup leader, and a defiant broadcaster. They also talked about Lechner’s forthcoming book, “Death Is Our Business: Russian Mercenaries and the New Era of Private Warfare.”

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