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النسخة العربية
  • 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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Sara Padovan
Politics

The flaw in Trump’s 'dealmaking' Middle East peace plan

16 October 2025

Rushed deals and a disregard for root problems provide a flimsy foundation for sustainable peace  

Abdullah F. Alrebh
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa hold a meeting at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow on October 15, 2025. Alexander Zemlianichenko / AFP
Politics

Unpacking Sharaa's diplomatic overture to Putin

16 October 2025

In Moscow, the Syrian president said he wants to restore and redefine relations former foe Russia. But is this a genuine olive branch or a message to Washington?

Samer Elias
Israeli singer Yuval Raphael parades with the Israeli flag during the dress rehearsal for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 at the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel on May 16, 2025. Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)
Culture & Social Affairs

Cultural boycotts: the double standards that expose Western hypocrisy

16 October 2025

The international community's contradictory responses to Ukraine and Gaza lay bare the farce of a supposed rules-based global order

Sawsan Jamil Hasan
Opinion

Gaza truce rests on Trump's ability to restrain Netanyahu

16 October 2025

The Israeli premier's uncompromising attitude threatens the fragile ceasefire that the US president has worked so hard to secure

Con Coughlin
Al Majalla
Business & Economy

Lebanon's finance minister: fiscal reforms are underway

15 October 2025

Speaking to Al Majalla, Yassine Jaber explained how the government had already increased tax revenue and what it plans to do to raise more money for the treasury

Souraya Chahine

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OPINIONS

Trump's 'grand peace' doesn't tackle root causes

Houssam Itani
Houssam Itani

The pros and cons of a multipolar world

Al Majalla - London
Al Majalla - London

'Send them back!': why Europe’s populists are repackaging old ideas

Christopher Phillips
Christopher Phillips

Issa Makhlouf on the Arab world's cultural atrophy

Ashraf al-Hassani
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