France, April 20 -- Thirteen years after its launch, the forum is being held in what organisers describe as a significantly altered security environment.

The G5 Sahel has been dissolved, while the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has been weakened by the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

Meanwhile, jihadist groups are expanding towards coastal states in the Gulf of Guinea, including Benin, Togo and Ghana.

Around 100 experts are gathering in Dakar for the two-day event.

Discussions will focus on several key themes, including the governance of natural resources. Particular attention will be paid to rare earths and critical minerals. Geopolitical rush over rare earths

According to the World Bank, Africa holds...