Tensions in West Africa have sharpened after Foreign Ministers from Mali and Niger accused neighbouring states and Western countries of backing armed groups in the troubled Sahel region.
Speaking on the sidelines of the International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa in Dakar, Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop and Niger’s Bakary Yaou Sangaré claimed that outside involvement is worsening insecurity across the region.
The Sahel has been battling a surge in extremist violence for years, with attacks spreading across borders despite ongoing military operations and international support.
Even so, both countries struck a more measured tone when it came to regional cooperation, saying they remain open to working with the West African bloc ECOWAS on key issues, despite their formal exit from the grouping last year.
Political analyst Moussa Naganou says the accusations reflect deeper fractures within the region.
“These claims point to a growing trust deficit between Sahel states, their neighbours, and international partners. It complicates coordination at a time when unity is most needed,” he said.
He warned that the widening divide could undermine efforts to contain jihadist groups operating across the Sahel.
“If countries are pulling in different directions, it becomes much harder to mount a coherent response to the security crisis,” Naganou added.
–ChannelAfrica–
