Since the onset of Russia’s Special Military Operation in Ukraine, Africa has increasingly become a focal point in the revived Cold War between Moscow and Washington. The African continent, particularly the Sahel region, is witnessing geopolitical shifts as local conflicts intersect with global power struggles.
Recently, Mali’s military government disclosed that Ukrainian forces were involved in an ambush against Malian soldiers and Russian security advisors on July 27 in Tinzaoten, northern Mali. The attack underscores the complex and escalating involvement of foreign powers in the region’s security dynamics.
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Mali, along with Niger and Burkina Faso, has formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), distancing itself from the Western-backed Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This alliance marks a significant departure from the influence of Western powers, particularly the United States and France, whose military presence in these countries has been a cornerstone of their strategy in West Africa.
The Sahel states are rich in geostrategic and economic resources, such as Niger’s vast uranium deposits, which were historically controlled by French corporations. However, the recent political changes in the region have led to the expulsion of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) troops and the French Foreign Legion from these countries.
These developments illustrate the enduring relevance of neo-colonialism, a concept highlighted by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, who described it as the final stage of imperialism. The military leaders who have taken power in recent coups across the Sahel were once aligned with Western military operations but are now pivoting towards Russian support, a move that has made them targets of Western retaliation.
Ukraine, under President Volodymyr Zelensky, has become a proxy for U.S. and NATO interests, not only in Eastern Europe but also in Africa. The involvement of Ukrainian forces in the Mali ambush is seen as part of a broader strategy to destabilize the region in favor of Western interests.
In response to these geopolitical shifts, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have welcomed Russian military advisors, integrating them into their national security apparatus. This realignment has further strained relations between these Sahel states and Western powers, particularly the United States and France.
The use of rebel groups in West Africa, often labeled as “Islamic extremists,” has historical parallels with U.S. strategies in Afghanistan during the Cold War. The current instability in the Sahel can be traced back to the NATO-led destruction of Libya in 2011, which unleashed waves of violence across the region.
As tensions between Western and Russian influences grow, African nations are increasingly reevaluating their foreign policies. Many African Union (AU) member states have adopted a neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as evidenced by their abstentions in United Nations General Assembly votes condemning Russia. The AU has also deployed peace delegations to both Russia and Ukraine, advocating for a diplomatic resolution.
The conflict has also had a profound impact on Africa’s economy, particularly in agriculture, as disruptions in trade between Ukraine and Russia have affected food supplies. In light of these challenges, some African states, like Mali and Niger, have severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine, prompting reactions from other Western allies.
Sweden, a NATO member, announced that it would phase out bilateral aid to Mali due to its ties with Russia. This decision reflects the growing polarization between African states aligned with Russia and those still under Western influence.
The strained relations between African states and Western powers may signal a potential shift in Africa’s foreign policy, moving away from the neo-colonial influence of Europe and North America. As African nations navigate this complex geopolitical landscape, their decisions will likely shape the continent’s future role in global affairs.
