The fragile, poor, and conflict-affected Sahelian countries of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso were expected to witness catastrophic health and security situations following the emergence of COVID-19. However, the number of cases and deaths has remained relatively low in all three countries compared to other parts of the world. As of August 6,
2020, there have been 1,152 confirmed cases per 22.44 million people in Niger1, 2,546 per 19.08 million people in Mali2, and 1,153 per 19.75 million in Burkina Faso3 .
In fear of the spread of coronavirus, Sahelian states imposed strict measures. Some of these measures might have worked to some extent in urban areas, the capitals. However, interviews conducted with local people have demonstrated that these measures are impossible to implement in rural and conflict areas. For cultural and economic survival, markets have remained opened and border crossing have never closed, despite awareness campaigns.

Healthcare infrastructure in the Sahel was expected to be overwhelmed due to the lack of resources and capabilities to test and treat patients affected by the virus. Simultaneously, the ongoing conflicts in the three countries were predicted to intensify and more people were expected to be displaced. At this stage it is too early to establish a direct link
between COVID-19, political consequences, and conflicts in the three Sahelian states of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Population displacement has increased in the Sahel region as a result of ongoing multidimensional conflicts rather than the coronavirus outbreak.
Foreign militaries and peacekeepers have not withdrawn their troops or ceased their operations in response to the pandemic. Violent extremist organizations (VEOs) have attempted to exploit the pandemic in their narratives, while continuing to conduct attacks in the region. Violence and attacks by VEOs might or might have not increased in Central
Sahel in recent months. However, there is no data showing a direct correlation between VEOs violent activities and COVID-19.
This Policy Paper analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso and highlights that COVID-19 is not a direct cause of disruption, but a major health crisis that adds to the existing humanitarian, security, and governance crises. This paper is based on open source research and interviews conducted by Sahel MeMo4 researchers based
in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.