The Sahel region remains a battleground as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger intensify their resistance against Western imperialist forces, particularly in the wake of their formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2023. These countries have faced increasing pressure from France, the United States, and their allies, determined to undermine the political and economic sovereignty of the AES nations.
In Niger, the military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023 has been met with hostile interventions by Paris and Washington, who sought to orchestrate a military intervention under the banner of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Their goal was to reinstate Bazoum and maintain their hold on Niger’s lucrative uranium resources. However, local political parties and civil society organizations rejected foreign military intervention, recognizing the risk of destabilizing the entire region and exacerbating tensions in the Sahel.
Mali, having transitioned from a Western-backed civilian government to a military administration focused on eradicating neo-colonial corporate influence, has seen an uptick in violence. Attacks attributed to so-called “Islamic terrorists” have been linked to NATO-backed forces in Ukraine, suggesting a covert strategy to destabilize the region. The Mali government, seeking support from Russia in its fight against insurgents, has become a target of regime change attempts. This destabilization effort is mirrored in neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, where local governments are pushing back against Western exploitation.
Mining Companies Targeted as Imperialism Strikes Back
The latest flashpoint in this conflict occurred in mid-November when Malian authorities arrested top executives from Australian mining company Resolute Mining. The company had been accused of corruption during negotiations with the Malian government. Despite Mali’s impoverished status, it remains a key player in global gold production, and the arrest of these executives underscores the growing tensions between Western mining interests and governments in the Sahel committed to asserting their independence.
Mali’s gold and other valuable minerals have long been exploited by foreign companies, leaving the population impoverished despite the wealth beneath their feet. The detentions of Resolute Mining’s CEO Terence Holohan and two other executives have sent shockwaves through the markets, with Resolute’s stock dropping dramatically after the Malian government announced it would receive nearly $250 million in compensation as part of the ongoing negotiations.
This confrontation highlights the systemic issues at play in the region: foreign corporations continue to extract resources from West Africa, while local populations bear the brunt of the exploitation. Despite these tensions, the AES nations are increasingly united in their resistance to Western influence. These governments are seeking alternative partnerships, particularly with Russia and other emerging powers like China, to break free from the grip of neo-colonial exploitation.
Burkina Faso and Niger Push Back Against Western Hegemony
The situation is equally dire in Burkina Faso, where recent massacres have been attributed to rebel groups with links to al-Qaeda. In late August, over 600 civilians were killed in the village of Barasalogho, and another 150 were massacred in Manni in October. These attacks, though devastating, are seen by some as a symptom of the destabilizing influence of foreign powers seeking to maintain control over the region’s resources.
In Niger, tensions with France have escalated, culminating in the expulsion of the French-controlled mining company Orano in 2024. Niger, with some of the largest uranium deposits in the world, has begun to pivot towards Russia, signaling a clear break from its former colonial power. This shift was further solidified by an agreement between Niger and the Russian company Glavkosmos to launch high-altitude satellites, a move aimed at bolstering national security and defense capabilities.
This realignment reflects the growing resistance to Western neo-colonialism in the region. The AES governments are rejecting the exploitative partnerships with France and the United States and instead seeking mutually beneficial relationships with Russia, China, and other global players. These new alliances represent a challenge to Western hegemony in Africa, and as tensions mount, the future of the Sahel region remains uncertain.
A New Vision for Africa’s Sovereignty
Despite the pressures they face, the governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger remain resolute in their efforts to reclaim sovereignty over their resources and their future. Their resistance is not only about combating insurgencies or addressing immediate security concerns—it is about breaking the chains of neo-colonialism and building a future free from exploitation.
In this context, their struggle is a larger fight against imperialism, and it demands global solidarity from anti-imperialist and peace movements. As the people of these nations continue to resist foreign domination, they provide a beacon of hope for other African nations seeking to assert their independence and sovereignty in the face of Western hegemony.
BY: MOSEA DESIRE KOUYO
