The Sahel region has rapidly emerged as one of the most contested geopolitical arenas of the 21st century, where shifting alliances and power dynamics are redefining both regional stability and international influence. In the aftermath of Niger’s 2023 coup, longstanding actors such as France have seen their influence challenged, while new players—including Turkey and Russia—have expanded their political, military, and economic engagement.
These transformations are not only altering the internal balance of power within Sahelian states but are also reshaping the broader strategic landscape, where security concerns, natural resources, and regional alliances intersect.
Against this backdrop, the Sahel has become a focal point of both cooperation and competition, exemplified by the rise of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and evolving relations between Niger and its international partners. The following interview with Ömer Muhtar Muhammed El-Ensari provides a critical insider perspective on these developments, addressing key issues such as democratic governance, foreign intervention, counterterrorism, and resource sovereignty. His insights highlight the complex interplay between domestic political transitions and external geopolitical pressures, offering a nuanced understanding of a region at the crossroads of change.
Oumar Moctar al Ansary
I am a founding member of the Democratic and Republican Renewal Party (RDR Tchanji), a democratic party in Niger that advocates for the republic, national unity, and sustainable development. Our party is led by former President Mahamane Ousmane. In the 2021 elections, we entered the second round with a candidate who had strong public support; however, former President Mahamadou Issoufou imposed his successor, Mohamed Bazoum, in an undemocratic manner.
Unfortunately, our party was dissolved by an administrative decision of the military junta on March 26, 2025. Today, as democratic opposition members, we are working to raise public awareness about citizens’ rights and are calling for a swift and comprehensive return to constitutional democracy through the organization of free and fair elections as soon as possible, with full respect for the constitution and the peaceful transfer of power. Our activities focus on strengthening national dialogue, combating extremism through development and education, and defending Niger’s unity in the face of regional challenges.
Chaos and power vacuums
The rise in terrorist acts, such as the January 2026 attack on Diori Hamani International Airport claimed by ISIS, primarily aims to destabilize the country, weaken trust in the state, and create chaos to facilitate expansion in the Sahel region. The core objective is to exploit the security and political vacuum resulting from internal and regional tensions. The best response lies in a comprehensive strategy that combines effective security operations, genuine economic development, and democratic good governance that restores trust between citizens and the state.
Behind the uranium crisis with French company
The dispute over the uranium stock—estimated at around one thousand tons and stored at Niamey airport—reflects a complex economic and sovereignty tension. The current situation is that the stock remains frozen due to international legal decisions, including those of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), and claims made by the French company Orano. Allegations that it has been sold to Russia or any other party have not been officially confirmed, and no shipment has taken place. From a democratic perspective, Niger’s natural resources must be managed with full transparency, respecting international agreements and ensuring that revenues are fairly distributed to the Nigerien people, free from political exploitation.
Global impact of regional wars
We call for diplomatic solutions and constructive dialogue to avoid any escalation that would negatively impact developing countries like ours. At the same time, we strongly condemn the war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as Iran’s attacks targeting civilian facilities and infrastructure in Gulf countries, away from American bases.
AES: Cooperation or fragility?
The AES made notable progress in December 2025 by establishing a joint military force of approximately five thousand troops and advancing economic and security initiatives, such as the creation of an investment bank and a joint television channel. However, the alliance faces major challenges in coordination and relations with neighboring countries. Security cooperation continues, but real and sustainable success requires democratic civilian governance that ensures public trust and long-term stability.
The future of AES
So far, there are no strong official indications of new countries joining the alliance. It is currently focused on strengthening cooperation among its three existing members while discussing the expansion of its economic and security dimensions.
Washington’s new Sahel strategy
The shift in U.S. policy toward the region in 2026 appears to be linked to strategic interests, particularly in critical minerals and counterterrorism. The decline of French influence and the alliance’s growing closeness with Russia have also played a role. Some commentators argue that this rapprochement is a form of Western “soft power” aimed at influencing from within, suggesting that the U.S. approach to the Sahel is not fundamentally different from Europe’s, but rather a division of roles within a “carrot and stick” strategy.
Niger’s cooperation with neighboring countries
In 2026, relations with Algeria have visibly improved through official visits and agreements in security, energy, and infrastructure, including trans-Saharan highways and gas pipelines. Relations with Libya remain relatively tense due to its dual political structure, control of southern borders, and migration issues. There is good security cooperation with Chad in the Lake Chad basin. Relations with Nigeria remain traditionally strong despite shared security and economic challenges. Unfortunately, relations with Benin are very tense.
The main dynamics shaping these relations are border security, counterterrorism, and economic interests. We particularly call for strengthening regional ties with Nigeria and Benin.
Turkey’s policy toward Niger
Turkey maintains close relations with Niger in military training, drones, and economic cooperation. Our expectation is that Turkey should support long-term stability and a return to civilian rule rather than prolonging the military transition period. Very close relations with any transitional authority may hinder international pressure in favor of democracy if they are not tied to genuine political reforms.
I was among those who welcomed Turkey’s stance in thwarting the 2016 coup attempt, but I was later surprised by its support for the continuation of military authority in my country. Moreover, the Turkish regime has crossed the limits of political pragmatism by supporting the Goïta regime in Mali, which uses drones under the pretext of counterterrorism to eliminate its own population in the north, thereby sacrificing democracy and human rights.
Algeria-Niger: From tension to partnership
In fact, relations between Algeria and Niger were never truly bad; they only experienced temporary tensions due to certain events, which were resolved peacefully.
There was a disagreement over Algeria’s initiative to restore constitutional order. Some Nigerien actors requested Algeria’s involvement against a potential ECOWAS intervention. The military council initially accepted this initiative but later rejected it due to the issue of President Bazoum’s refusal to resign. This put Algeria in a difficult position and created temporary tensions.
Another crisis arose when Algeria shot down a Turkish-Malian drone. Mali tried to present it as a technical failure, but Turkey did not accept this explanation in order to protect the reputation of its drones.
Today, relations between the two countries have reached their strongest level again. Geography, demography, shared interests, and common challenges in security and development—especially counterterrorism and the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline project—support this rapprochement. Algeria seeks to strengthen its regional role, while Niger needs a reliable partner due to its geographical position.
Post colonial tension with France
This fundamental shift emerged after the 2023 coup. Niger demanded greater sovereignty over its natural resources—especially uranium—and criticized previous agreements as unequal.
These developments led to the expulsion of French troops and the nationalization of certain mining assets.
We support any step that strengthens national sovereignty, but it must take place within a democratic system with full constitutional legitimacy.
France’s role in terrorism allegations
I have no direct evidence to support such claims and reject conspiracy theories without strong proof.
The main causes of the increase in terrorist attacks are weak governance, the military’s involvement in political affairs instead of focusing on security duties, the security vacuum created by the withdrawal of international forces, and the region’s socio-economic problems.
The real solution lies in strengthening democratic state institutions and enhancing effective regional cooperation.