States of the Sahel are often unfairly dismissed as merely having a symbolic presence on their own territory, and yet they do not fit the various descriptions of failed states. While Malian democracy is far from perfect, the country’s institutions have demonstrated a remarkable resilience. Mauritania, a fragile state, is resisting the whirlwind. Both Mali and Mauritania are experiencing difficulties, but they are not failed states – a testament to the fact that, despite appearances, they both have their own elements of internal cohesion.