Sahel’s Shifting Sands

The Sahel region of Africa has become synonymous with insecurity. The region, which stretches from Senegal to Sudan in the West and East, historically has experienced rich cultural exchanges and economic interactions. However, its recent history is increasingly linked with violence and instability. Amid these disturbances, middle-power countries have gained footing and are playing increasingly important roles in shaping the security dynamics of the region.

Many factors contribute to insecurity in the Sahel. One primary cause is the presence of extremist groups. These organisations, including Boko Haram, AQIM (Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb), and ISGS (Islamic State in the Greater Sahara), have taken advantage of weak governance, porous borders and socio-economic vulnerabilities of the area to establish their bases. Consequently, such groups engage in cross-border attacks, kidnappings and illegal trade. The issue is worsened by communal clashes. Competition for scarce resources like water and arable land has intensified conflicts between ethnic and communal groups. Climate change has exacerbated these tensions by increasing desertification and reducing agricultural productivity. Weak institutions, corruption, and limited capacity to deliver public services also plague many Sahelian states. The governance vacuum creates an environment where extremist groups thrive, offering services and security that the state fails to provide. This lack of effective governance also hinders international stabilisation efforts as foreign interventions struggle to find strong local partnerships and legitimacy.

In response to the escalating crisis, various middle powers have increased their involvement in the Sahel. While not possessing the global reach of superpowers like the United States or China, these countries exert significant influence through regional initiatives, diplomatic efforts, and security cooperation. Key middle powers involved in the Sahel include Turkey, Iran, Morocco and Saudi Arabia, each with distinct motives and strategies. Iran has made progress in establishing cooperation agreements with nations such as Burkina Faso and Mali. Despite its revolutionary rhetoric and anti-imperialist position, there is uncertainty about Iran’s capacity to deliver its pledges due to budgetary restrictions and geopolitical problems, raising questions about the degree of its influence in the Sahel.

Turkey has also emerged as a significant player in the Sahel in recent years, leveraging its historical ties and growing economic interests. Ankara has established a network of regional diplomatic missions and development projects. Turkish involvement includes a mix of humanitarian aid, infrastructure development, and religious outreach through organisations like the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and the Diyanet, Turkey’s spiritual authority. Turkey’s strategy in the Sahel is part of its broader ambition to expand its influence in Africa. By positioning itself as a partner in development and a supporter of local governance structures, Turkey aims to build long-term relationships that enhance its geopolitical standing and economic opportunities.

Saudi Arabia’s engagement in the Sahel is primarily driven by its interests in countering extremist ideologies and expanding its influence in the Muslim world. Through financial aid and religious institutions, Saudi Arabia has supported various initiatives to promote regional stability and development. The Saudi Fund for Development has financed numerous projects, including schools, hospitals, and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has sought to counteract the influence of rival regional powers, particularly Iran, by fostering strong ties with Sahelian governments and promoting its version of Islamic practice. This soft power approach complements its broader strategic objectives in the region and helps to curb the spread of extremist ideologies that could threaten its interests.

The involvement of middle powers in the Sahel brings both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, their engagement can provide much-needed resources, expertise, and international attention to the region’s crisis. On the other hand, the competing interests of these powers can complicate coordination efforts and exacerbate local tensions. Practical international cooperation is essential for addressing the challenges of the Sahel. However, sustainable peace and stability in the Sahel will ultimately depend on strengthening local governance, addressing socio-economic inequalities, and fostering inclusive political processes. The growing influence of middle powers in the Sahel reflects the globalised nature of contemporary security challenges and the interconnectedness of regional and international actors. While their involvement presents opportunities for positive change, it also underscores the need for coherent and collaborative strategies that prioritise the needs of the Sahelian people.