Sahel in Transition: Breaking Chains or Choosing New Masters?

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Disclaimer:  This image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes and does not depict real people or events directly.

The Sahel revolution

Since 2020, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, three West African countries in the Sahel region have made global headlines. Each of them has experienced military coups that removed elected leaders, pushed out French forces, and promoted Pan-African independence.

Many people have celebrated these bold moves. But an important question remains:

Are these countries really breaking free from colonial control, or are they simply swapping old masters (like France) for new ones (like Russia or China)?


The Sahel Region:

The Sahel is a long strip of land South of the Sahara Desert, stretching across West and Central Africa. It has faced major problems for many years:

  • Terrorism: Armed Islamist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS operate there.

  • Mass suffering: Many people have been forced to flee their homes due to violence.

  • Political chaos: Coups and unstable governments are common.

  • Foreign soldiers: France, the U.S., and the U.N. have all had troops there.

France once ruled Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso during colonial times. Even after independence in the 1960s, France kept strong ties, through trade, language, currency (CFA franc), and especially the military. Today in Africa, this is called "neo-colonialism."


Military Coups with Public Support:

All three countries had coups in just three years:

  • Mali (2020 & 2021): President Keïta was removed due to corruption and insecurity. The army took over, led by Colonel Assimi Goïta.

  • Burkina Faso (2022): President Kaboré was removed after jihadist violence worsened. A second coup brought Captain Ibrahim Traoré to power.

  • Niger (2023): President Bazoum was overthrown by his own presidential guard, led by General Tchiani.

Contrary to expectations, many young people and civil groups supported the coups. They were tired of:

  • Corruption.

  • Insecurity.

  • Lack of economic opportunities.
  • The feeling that their leaders were controlled by outsiders.


Cutting ties with France and the West:

Once in power, the military governments took strong action against France:

  • French troops were asked to leave.

  • Military and diplomatic agreements with France were cancelled.

  • French media like RFI and France24 were banned.

  • France was accused of secretly helping terrorists to justify its presence.

In 2024, all three countries withdrew from ECOWAS (the West African bloc) after it threatened military action and imposed sanctions on Niger. The military leaders claimed ECOWAS was working for Western interests instead of protecting African sovereignty.


The New Alliance - AES:

In order to stand together, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso created the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2023. This alliance aims to:

  • Defend each other from attacks.

  • Fight terrorism together.

  • Promote African unity and independence.

AES is more than a military pact; it is also a political message to the world: 

“We can solve our own problems, without foreign control.”


New Friends:

As they cut ties with the West, the three countries welcomed new partners, especially:

Russia

  • Provided military support and equipment.
  • Its private military group (Wagner) was seen in Mali, fighting jihadists.

  • Russian flags are now common in rallies, showing public support.

China

  • China is investing in roads, mining, and infrastructure, especially in Mali and Niger.

  • Offers loans with fewer conditions than the West.

But this shift raises concerns:

Are these new friends helping Africa rise or just new masters offering the same control with a different face?

Despite their bold moves, these countries face serious challenges:

Security.

  • Terrorist attacks continue in many areas.

  • Thousands of civilians and soldiers are still dying.

Economy

  • ECOWAS sanctions and reduced Western aid may have hurt the economy.

  • In Niger, cutting uranium exports to France may affect government income.

Governance

  • Promised elections have been delayed and perhaps might be ignored.

  • Human rights, freedom of the press, and democracy are under threat in some areas.

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are leading a rebellion against foreign domination especially against France and Western neo-colonialism. 

Their actions have started new conversations across Africa about independence, unity, and self-rule.

But breaking chains is not just about changing who you trade with or which country gives you guns. Real independence means:

  • Strong institutions.

  • Fair and honest leadership.

  • Freedom of speech and human rights.
  • Self-reliant economies that serve the people, not foreign powers.

The journey has begun, but only time will tell whether these countries are truly free or just entering into new chains with different names.


Related topics:

When Cold war giants played a game with Angolan lives.

https://historyforumtz.blogspot.com/2025/08/when-superpowers-played-chess-with.html

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