Q. Consider the following statements:
Statement-1 There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region.
Statement-II: There have been military takeovers/coups in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both 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
Correct answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper
Explanation :
Statement I: “There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region”
– This is correct. The Sahel region has been facing significant security challenges including terrorism, ethnic conflicts, and political instability.
Statement II: “There have been military takeovers/coups in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past”
– This is also correct. Several Sahel countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger have experienced military coups in recent years.
Relationship between the statements:
– The military coups (Statement II) are both a cause and symptom of the instability (Statement I)
– The coups have contributed to regional instability
– The existing instability also created conditions conducive to military takeovers
– Therefore, Statement II helps explain Statement I
Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
