2024-03-13 17:02:00
In the current context of the Sahel, after the withdrawal of French forces, a new geopolitical dynamic is emerging with the increased commitment of Iran in the region, Turkey, Morocco and Algeria due to its historical links and its geographical proximity.
Also, the new regimes of the Sahelian countries, faced with security challenges, are looking for alternatives to their former dependence on foreign forces, notably France and other Western countries. This redefinition of influences in the post-French withdrawal Sahel therefore raises questions about the future balance of power and how these commitments will influence the region’s long-term stability and development.
In this dynamic, Turkey deploys military equipment, including drones, thus becoming a major player in the Sahelian security landscape. Iranian intervention is carried out through the supply of weapons and drones to separatist and extremist groups. The Islamic Republic is viewed with concern by several regional and international actors as a destabilizing factor in the North and West African region.
Despite its ambitions, Iran faces financial challenges that could limit its long-term influence for the simple reason that it does not have the means for its policy. Despite the fact that he can intensify his diplomatic and economic efforts in the Sahel, proposing cooperation agreements in various sectors and which, moreover, he will never be able to honor. These are the new strategies aimed at establishing its influence, particularly in Mali.
Turkey, for its part, with the supply of drones has adopted an approach mainly focused on strengthening ties with the capitals of the Sahel, in particular through the construction of infrastructure such as mosques and hospitals, and the opening of markets. export. Ankara signed a defense agreement with Niamey, which raised questions about its real intentions in the region.
However, some Turkish projects, such as the takeover of schools in Mali, have been received with less enthusiasm, undermining Turkish influence in the Sahel. Each of these two countries is trying to navigate this changing geopolitical landscape, with approaches that vary from economic and cultural support to military and security involvement, reflecting a mosaic of interests and strategic objectives.
Morocco, although less mentioned in these specific sources, continues to pursue significant policy in the Sahel by virtue of its African policy and its efforts to maintain stability and economic development. Its role is increasingly dominant on the African scene, particularly in the Sahel region.
By painting the picture of Morocco’s African policy without fanfare, but with consistency, there is no doubt that the Kingdom is working for the stability and economic development of its Sahelian neighbors. Demonstrating subtle diplomacy, Morocco has been able to forge close links with the countries of this region, links which seem to be sewn with a master’s hand on the economic, security and religious fronts.
On the one hand, Morocco invests and grows, offering its expertise in areas as varied as agriculture, water management or renewable energy, as if to remind us that the Sahel can also be a source of life and of prosperity. On the other, he extends the security pole, training imams in moderate discourse, trying to counter obscurantism.
Morocco, faithful to its thousand-year-old history, seeks not to conquer by arms, but to influence through cooperation and mutual aid. A sort of Moroccan-style soft power which, although it is sometimes criticized for its own underlying strategic interests, nonetheless remains a force for constructive proposals in a region where deserts are made of sand and opportunities. . Morocco has chosen its path carefully, moving forward step by step under the aegis of stability and shared economic growth.
Algeria, in its capacity as the second military power in Africa and which wants to play a key role, is trying, in vain, to provide urgent security solutions to counter the advance of terrorist groups and violence in the region. Algeria is trying to cling to a strategic role in the Sahel that it will not have, particularly in light of the gradual withdrawal of the Barkhane military operation led by France.
The strategic importance of the Sahel for Algeria is also underlined by the geographical proximity, which places Algeria on the front line of countries impacted by insecurity and terrorist activities in this adjoining area. The security of its southern border therefore constitutes an imperative necessity for its own national security.
Algeria’s position vis-à-vis the Sahel revolves around a multidimensional approach, allegedly combining active diplomacy that it has lost along the way and, potentially, military intervention, although the latter option remains subject to considerable political and strategic constraints. Algerian diplomacy illustrates, above all, Algiers’ desire to outline the resolution of conflicts through dialogue and negotiation, in accordance with its principles of hegemony.
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