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  • Politics
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  • Niger
The foreign ministers of the Confederation of Sahel States attend a press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on April 3, 2025. Pavel Bednyakov / AFP

Why Russia is doubling down on diplomacy in the Sahel

Amid growing competition for influence in Africa from the US, Moscow has been deepening military and economic ties there, especially in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. Now, it must deliver.

Sergey Eledinov 09 August 2025
This video grab shows Malian security personnel detaining a man after Mali's army said a military training camp in the capital, Bamako, was attacked on September 17 2024. AP

Bamako attacks expose the fragility of AES states

A recent jihadist attack on Mali's capital and a growing threat from northern rebels reportedly getting help from Ukraine begs the question: is the Sahel a new Russia-West battleground?

Aman Bezreh 28 September 2024
An Algerian official carries a child in a transit camp as Nigerien migrants in Algeria are repatriated by Algerian authorities back to Niger on June 29, 2018, in Laghouat, northern Algeria. AFP

Niger and Algeria draw battle lines over illegal migrants

Niger accuses Algeria of mistreating EU-bound Nigeriens by dumping them back in the desert. Algeria accuses Niger of opening the floodgates. Neither is backing down.

Rabia Khreis 30 April 2024
Two soldiers raise the flags of Niger and the United States during a ceremony in Agadez in April 2018.

Uranium in the Sahel: As the West steps out, Iran steps in

The US and French withdrawal from the Sahel lets the Russians, Chinese, and Iranians in. Tehran, in particular, will be keen to buy Niger's uranium, despite this being a red line for Washington.

Mohamed Sharki 22 April 2024
Washington has finally woken up to the importance of developing this vital region, with Nigeria showing the greatest investment potential — in the trillions. Majalla

Blinken tours West Africa with eye on safeguarding maritime trade

Washington has finally woken up to the importance of developing this vital region, with Nigeria showing the greatest investment potential — in the trillions.

Mohamed Sharki 28 January 2024
On this day, exactly two months ago, a coup took place in Niger, delivering another blow to France's declining influence in the Sahel. Instead of backing its ally, the US has taken a more nuanced position. Majalla/Agencies

Did US pragmatism in Niger underpin France's decision to end its military presence?

Two months ago today, a coup took place in Niger that delivered yet another blow to France's declining influence in the Sahel. Without US support, Paris has decided to pack up and leave.

Khattar Abu Diab 26 September 2023
France’s Suez Moment has been a drawn-out one. Its influence has waxed and waned since the 1960s, but it has been on an overall downward trajectory throughout. Al Majalla explains. Majalla/Agencies

France’s African empire may have had its ‘Suez Moment’

France's 'Suez Moment' has been a drawn-out one. Its influence has waxed and waned since the 1960s, but it has been on an overall downward trajectory throughout. Al Majalla explains.

Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy 24 September 2023
A supporter of Niger's National Council of Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) holds a placard of Niger's new military ruler, General Abdourahamane Tiani, as they gather at Place de la Concertation in Niamey on August 20, 2023. AFP

Niger coup: Lessons learned and the dark road ahead

ECOWAS member states are well aware that an armed conflict would worsen the region's existing instability. The mere mention of a military intervention has been enough to divide West African nations.

Khaled Hamadeh 23 August 2023
A man blows into a vuvuzela while waving Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso flags as supporters cheer from the stands for artists performing during a concert in support of Niger's National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) AFP

Eye on Niger: Who will win in a multipolar contest for Africa influence?

Until the West can prove that it can address the economic and security challenges Sahel countries face, the governance models represented by China or Russia will continue to gain more appeal.

Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy 15 August 2023
Protesters wave Nigerien and Russian flags as they gather during a rally in support of Niger's junta in Niamey on July 30, 2023. AFP

Niger coup marks yet another French setback in the African Sahel

France is especially affected by the coup, as it has previously lost similar bases in Mali and Burkina Faso due to coups allegedly linked to Wagner activities

Mohamed Sharki 05 August 2023
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US President Donald Trump meets Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate for an end to the war in Ukraine in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Politics

Putin rides high after Alaska

18 August 2025

Seven instances that showed the Russian leader had the upper hand during his meeting with Trump

Robert Ford
David Corenswet in 'Superman'
Culture & Social Affairs

The new 'Superman' is not as pro-Palestine as some think

20 August 2025

The depiction of a land-grabbing colonialist power turning on its weaker neighbour feels aimed at Israel, its advocates say. Yet supporters of Palestine should be up in arms, too.

Samer Abou Hawwach
US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack, also special envoy to Syria, fields questions from journalists after meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon, on August 18, 2025. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
Politics

Lebanon at a crossroads over Hezbollah arms

18 August 2025

US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack used his latest visit to Beirut to deliver what was, in effect, an ultimatum to the Lebanese government, though he took care not to present it as such

Michael Harari
A Saudi Aramco rig in the HSBH field north of Dhahran in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. AFP
Business & Economy

The Arab Gulf’s gas moment

21 August 2025

The Arab Gulf is stepping into a pivotal role in global energy markets—not just as a swing oil supplier, but as a gas powerhouse

Neil Quilliam
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes an address following an emergency cabinet meeting on Gaza at 10 Downing Street in London on July 29, 2025. Toby Melville / AFP
Politics

Performative politics: Palestine recognition pledges ring hollow

18 August 2025

The moves by France, the UK and other Western states appear to be more about appeasing domestic critics with symbolic gestures rather than a genuine attempt to change Israel's behaviour

Christopher Phillips

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