Between 2020 and 2023, a series of military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger dramatically altered the geopolitical landscape of the Sahel. These events led to a gradual withdrawal of European forces, while Russia, China, and the United States—particularly during Donald Trump's administration—stepped in to expand their presence and cooperation with the new military juntas.
However, this shift in foreign partnerships has not brought stability. According to a recent study titled "European Sahel Policy: Back to Start" by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), the region remains heavily plagued by jihadist violence and cross-border tensions. The study concludes that Europe must develop a new strategy to prevent further escalation, despite its currently limited influence.
The European Union is actively attempting to redefine its African strategy, focusing on security partnerships, economic development, and securing critical resources. "Jobs must stay in Africa," stated Kaja Kallas, EU foreign policy chief and Vice President of the European Commission, during an exclusive interview with DW in Accra, Ghana.
On March 24, the EU and Ghana—which shares a border with Burkina Faso—signed their first official security and defense partnership. Kallas announced the delivery of defense equipment to support Ghana, including motorcycles, vehicles, drones, and anti-drone systems. This agreement falls under a broader €50 million EU program launched in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Sahel juntas have distanced themselves from their West African neighbors by exiting the ECOWAS bloc and forming their own coalition, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Kallas emphasized that security cannot be achieved through military means alone. "We also support a broader economic approach, as it is important to tackle the deeper causes of instability, which are often linked to the economy," she explained.
In line with this holistic vision, the EU unveiled a €290 million investment package for Nigeria on March 24 under the Global Gateway Initiative. The funds are earmarked for expanding fiber optic networks, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, agriculture, and migration programs in Africa's largest economy.
Distancing the EU from the "transactionalism" often associated with the Trump administration's short-term, deal-based politics, Kallas highlighted Europe's commitment to long-term relationships. "We have tried to help African countries because they are our neighbors," she noted. "The problems of today are our problems of tomorrow. That is therefore very closely linked."
The newly formed AES nations possess significant mineral wealth: gold and lithium in Mali, uranium in Niger, and gold in Burkina Faso. Kallas stressed the importance of "balanced partnerships" regarding energy and critical raw materials. Without explicitly naming rival global powers, she clarified Europe's distinct intentions: "We are interested in a different way. We do not want to exploit the resources. We want the benefits of these resources to remain with the Africans."
By providing technology, the EU aims to ensure local economic growth. Kallas argued that employment reduces instability and, consequently, migration pressure toward Europe. "It is therefore really in our interest that African countries prosper," she added.
Migration remains a pressing issue. Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Mali-based Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), pointed out that two main migration routes from sub-Saharan Africa pass through the Sahel: one from Mali via Mauritania to the Canary Islands, and another from Niger via Libya to Italy. Highlighting the strategic necessity of European engagement, Laessing concluded: "That is why we cannot really afford to here..."
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