Evolution of western diplomacy in the Sahel: a shift in strategy
On February 25, the United States Department of State formalized a five-year bilateral agreement with Burkina Faso. This memorandum of understanding, valued at 147 million dollars, is specifically designed to bolster Ouagadougou’s health initiatives, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
This move follows a mid-February diplomatic gesture where Washington conveyed its “respect” for the sovereignty of Niger during a telephone exchange with the transitional Prime Minister, Ali Mahamane Zeine. Simultaneously, Joao Cravinho, the European Union’s Special Representative for the Sahel, conducted a high-profile visit to Bamako. This mission took place despite the ongoing friction between Malian leaders and the EU. These events raise a pivotal question: are Western nations seeking a reconciliation with the military administrations in the Sahel?
Francis Kpatindé, a prominent specialist in West African affairs and lecturer at Sciences-Po Paris, provides a detailed perspective on these evolving dynamics.
Analysing the potential thaw in relations
According to Francis Kpatindé, while there are signs of movement, one must remain cautious. The Sahel region has been unpredictable in recent years. Rather than a full reconciliation, he describes the current state as a “flicker” of change. Diplomatic ties between major Western powers—especially European ones—and Sahelian nations continue to be characterized by tension or limited engagement.
The renewed interest from Washington toward Burkina Faso, following similar patterns in Niger and Mali, serves as a notable indicator. Western powers are pivoting toward targeted economic and humanitarian assistance. There is also a security dimension, with military training offered to combat terrorism. These nations recognize that abandoning the region could lead to spillover effects that eventually impact them directly. Furthermore, strategic interests in natural resources remain a driving force; Niger possesses significant uranium reserves, while Mali and Burkina Faso are rich in gold.
A shift toward bilateralism
The European Union appears to be abandoning its broad regional strategy in favor of a tailored, country-by-country method. Francis Kpatindé confirms this observation, noting that Germany, for instance, maintains positive relations with several Sahelian states. Unlike France, the former colonial power whose influence has waned in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, other European nations are finding more receptive audiences.
This diversification allows for new channels of communication. Countries like Germany or Hungary can act as intermediaries, providing diplomatic “windows” and bridges. Such connections might eventually allow Paris to maintain a baseline of contact with the military-led governments of the Sahel through its European partners.
