Die Sahel-Region zwischen Vielfalt & globalen Herausforderungen

Panel discussion

17.05.2025, 16:00
Bella Volen Gallery
Landesgerichtsstraße 6, 1010 Wien 

The Sahel region is an arid transition zone between the Sahara and the savannah that stretches from West to East Africa. It is characterised by extreme climatic conditions, political instability, poverty and conflict. At the same time, it boasts rich cultural diversity and significant natural resources. Challenges such as desertification, terrorism and migration make it a geopolitical hotspot with global relevance. This region is at the centre of global political, cultural and humanitarian debates – but what makes it so unique? What historical, ethnic and geopolitical dynamics shape it? And how can the current challenges be overcome?

Discussion with experts
Ute Kollies – over 20 years of experience in humanitarian crises and security issues within the UN OCHA
Anna Rauchenwald – Austrian Society for European Policy, focus on EU interests and migration strategies
Miriam Mona Mukalazi – VIDC, political scientist specialising in Eurocentrism, EU security policy and gender
Charles Barisa – Peace researcher, consultant & peace mediator, expert on Rwanda & Congo, among other topics, former head of the rehabilitation centre for former child combatants

Keynote & presentation
Bella Volen – Cultural & social anthropological insights into the Sahel region with a focus on body art & ritual practices
Bella Volen: academic painter, gallery owner, expert on body art.

Moderator & organiser: Josef Mühlbauer – political scientist, peace journalist & author

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