Bridging the Maghreb-Sahel Divide in Policy and Research: Take-aways from the MECAM Policy Talk 2025
By Clara-Auguste Süß, André Bank & Julius Dihstelhoff. In an era shaped by global crises, geopolitical realignments, and socio-economic transformation, strengthening partnerships between the Maghreb, the Sahel, and European counterparts is no longer optional. The Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM) dedicated this year’s edition of its Policy Talk to exploring the nexus between the Maghreb and Sahel. The event’s theme “Entanglements between Maghreb and Sahel: Navigating Shared Challenges through Cooperation” aligned with MECAM’s guiding focus on “Imagining Futures: Dealing with Disparity”. Designed to connect academic analysis with policy dialogue, the event aimed to support informed political decision-making, deepen cooperation, and enhance MECAM’s visibility within Berlin’s political landscape.


