“The responses to the crisis should also rely more on localised gender-sensitive and conflict-sensitive analyses and take into account psychological factors. They should be more informed by Sahelian expertise and able to rely on more (flexible) funding, including from Sahel states towards their own regional organisations. Lastly, stronger support for community resilience should not divert from the state’s responsibility to protect civilians and ensure basic living conditions. Support for resilience should be complementary and reaffirm the state’s primary role to address governance issues and protect civilians through military and non-military measures.”