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.
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, under military juntas, have entered an agreement with Russia to acquire telecommunications and surveillance satellites, strengthening their alliance and military cooperation. This deal highlights Russia’s growing influence in the Sahel and its controversial role in Africa, while addressing the security concerns and communication needs of these nations.
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.
