Coups, conflict and instability have increased in the Sahel. The EU's 'security first' approach has failed to address the root causes of conflict and insecurity. The Analysis "Insecurity in the Sahel: Rethinking Europe's response" outlines the trend of securitisation in EU foreign policy and provides recommendations. Despite global pressure, instead of assuming that more military and security assistance will deliver better results in the Sahel, the EU and member states need to urgently consider how to adjust its response and integrate the lessons learnt from Afghanistan, and elsewhere.