In the last few years the topic of migrants and migration patterns has, once again, found itself as a centrepiece of many political debates around the world. Politicians and advocates alike have been calling for an evolution in migration policies and conventions. As Swedish MEP and rappoteur for the Dublin Regulation reform, Cecilia Wikström said in June of 2018, the current iteration of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) is a “failed asylum system” that requires concrete amendment by the European Council and Parliament[1].

Violence in Mali has seen a concerning uptick in recent months. As the rate of violence increases, the rapid implementation of the new G5 security force will be vital to maintain stability, and preventing the spread of extremist groups into neighboring states such as Burkina Faso and Mauritania.