The spread of a radical ideology and organized crime in the Sahel has been linked to the lack of administrative presence, provision of social services, economic growth and protection for the communities concerned, particularly in remote locations. Recent developments have been met with military, and humanitarian operations responding to the urgent needs of imperiled, vulnerable populations. Whilst strategic frameworks recognize the nexus between security and development, the operational reality of promoting medium- to long-term development initiatives in environments where security conditions are lacking is complicated.