Q.1) Consider the following statements :

Statement-I : There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region.

Statement-II : There have been military takeovers/coups d’état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statement?

a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

b) Bothe Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Solution: A

Explanation: Statement-I is correct:
The Sahel region (stretching across Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, etc.) is facing severe instability and a deteriorating security situation due to:

Rise of jihadist groups (ISIS, Al-Qaeda affiliates)

Weak state institutions

Ethnic conflicts

Climate stress and resource scarcity

Statement-II is also correct:
In the recent past, the Sahel has witnessed multiple military coups, such as:

Mali (2020, 2021)

Burkina Faso (2022 – twice)

Niger (2023)

Chad (military takeover after president’s death)

Causal link (Explanation):
These military takeovers weaken democratic institutions, disrupt governance, isolate countries internationally, and reduce coordinated counter-terrorism efforts, thereby worsening instability and security conditions.

Hence, Statement-II explains Statement-I.