Morocco has intensified efforts to combat illegal migration to Europe, stopping over 45,000 individuals and dismantling 177 trafficking rings since January. The country faces increasing migratory pressure due to instability in the Sahel region. While cooperation with Spain has improved, recent incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in managing migration flows.
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.
Four years after the military seized power in Mali, residents are facing increasing economic hardship, including constant power outages that are crippling businesses. The coup, fueled by public anger with corruption and the spread of jihadist insurgency, has led to a wave of instability across the Sahel region. While some see the current difficulties as a necessary step towards independence, many are struggling to cope with the rising poverty and lack of basic services.
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.
Mauritania held a presidential election on Saturday, with incumbent President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani seeking a second term. The election saw a relatively peaceful atmosphere despite opposition claims of a ‘one-sided’ campaign and concerns about fraud. The president, a former security chief, has promised a continued focus on fighting poverty and supporting young people, and the country is expected to see economic growth fueled by the launch of gas production.
