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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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Nesma Moharam
Politics

Two years after October 7

06 October 2025

Al Majalla examines the repercussions of Hamas's attack on Israel, which set into motion a series of significant changes and power shifts in the Middle East

Al Majalla - London
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (L) visits the polling station where members of Syrian local committees have been casting their votes to select members of an interim parliament, in Damascus on October 5, 2025. LOUAI BESHARA / AFP
Politics

Cheers and jeers as Syria votes in first post-Assad parliament

06 October 2025

Only 4% of 119 members selected in the indirect vote were women, and only two Christians, sparking concerns about inclusivity and fairness. Meanwhile, voting was postponed in Druze and Kurdish areas.

Subhi Franjieh
Al Majalla
Politics

Allies' anger over Gaza tests US support for Israel

03 October 2025

Trump may be willing to accept global isolation to keep supporting Israel, but at some point, he may conclude that he isn't getting enough from Netanyahu in return

Christopher Phillips
Al Majalla
Business & Economy

Med market? Europe eyes closer trade with North Africa

01 October 2025

After being hit by tariffs from its Washington ally, Brussels is seeking to diversify its business partners. Across the Mediterranean Sea, states offer labour, materials, and markets

Mohamed Sharki
supplied
Culture & Social Affairs

Palestinian artist breathes life and meaning into Jaffa’s shoreline shards

03 October 2025

Mohammad Qundus uses the fragments of former lives in his latest exhibition that seeks to reaffirm the Palestinian presence of today and its connection to the past

Houssam Marouf

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