Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are set to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January 2024, creating significant challenges for regional security and trade. Mediation efforts are ongoing, but the three nations, under military rule, accuse ECOWAS of being subservient to France. Their departure highlights rising anti-French sentiment and the growing influence of Russia in the Sahel.
Niger’s military junta has banned the French aid group Acted from working in the country, further escalating tensions with France. This move comes after the junta’s recent shift towards Russia for security, leading to the expulsion of French troops and the French ambassador. The decision to revoke Acted’s license, along with another aid group’s, highlights the growing rift between Niger and its former Western partners.
Torrential rains in Niger have led to devastating floods, claiming the lives of 339 people and displacing over 1.1 million since June. The floods have caused significant damage to infrastructure, livestock, and food supplies, prompting the government to postpone the school year. This severe weather event highlights the growing impact of climate change on the Sahel region.
The military juntas of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have accused Ukraine of supporting rebel groups in the Sahel region, citing a statement by a Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson. The accusation, which Ukraine denies, has led to a diplomatic row and heightened tensions in the region.
Turkey’s top ministers, including Foreign, Defense, and Energy officials, visited Niger to secure access to its uranium deposits, aiming to fuel Turkey’s developing nuclear industry. This move comes as Niger’s military government severed ties with France, revoking the operating license of French nuclear fuel producer Orano, and showcasing the country’s rich uranium resources as a key target for global energy ambitions.
The military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have announced the formation of a new confederation, the ‘Alliance of Sahel States,’ signaling a decisive break from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The summit, held in Niamey, Niger, signifies the trio’s move away from ECOWAS, which has imposed sanctions on Niger following a coup last year.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, all ruled by military juntas, have formally announced their break from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The three countries accuse ECOWAS of being influenced by France and failing to address jihadist violence, instead seeking partnerships with Russia, Turkey, and Iran. This move further strains relations between the Sahel nations and ECOWAS, which previously threatened military intervention in Niger following the 2023 coup.
The United States is withdrawing all its personnel and equipment from Niger this weekend, abandoning a vital drone base crucial for counterterrorism operations in the Sahel region. The move follows a deadline set by the ruling junta in Niger after a coup last year. While some troops have relocated to other West African nations, the majority will initially be sent to Europe.
Tensions between Benin and Niger have escalated once again, with Benin arresting five Nigerien nationals and accusing them of illegal entry. Niger has retaliated by accusing Benin of arresting employees of its oil company who were present at the port to oversee the loading of an oil shipment. The conflict centers around the port of Seme, which is a key point of entry for Niger’s crude oil exports. The dispute has dragged on since May, when Benin obstructed the shipment of oil, citing Niamey’s refusal to reopen its borders for trade. The blockade was eventually lifted following intervention from China, but Niger has maintained border closures after a military coup last July. Benin has since reopened its side of the border, but it has urged Niger to reciprocate. Niger has accused Benin of hosting French troops on its territory, which it claims are attempting to destabilize the country.
Russian military personnel have entered an air base in Niger used by US troops, a move that follows a decision by Niger’s military rulers to expel US forces from the country. The situation raises concerns about the fate of US installations and the growing tensions between the US and Russia over the conflict in Ukraine. The US has been forced to withdraw troops from several African countries following coups, while Russia seeks to strengthen its presence on the continent.
