Since military juntas took control in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, Algeria has lost influence in the Sahel region, a region it had dominated for nearly four decades, François Soudan, editor-in-chief of Jeune Afrique stated in an interview with RFI at “Semaine de JA” show.
Soudan said that Algeria is now facing a noticeable diplomatic deficit as younger military leaders take charge, reshaping the region’s geopolitics.
A key turning point was the rejection of the Algiers Accords by the military junta led by Assimi Goïta in Mali. This significant shift in the political landscape has caused serious tensions between the two countries, which were once close allies.
The disagreement stems from differing views on the Tuareg armed groups. While the Malian government regards them as terrorists, Algeria, which has historically hosted leaders from these groups, considers them essential interlocutors for peace efforts. This divide has created a major rift between the two governments, especially since Algeria had once viewed Mali as a cornerstone of its Sahelian influence.
In contrast, Morocco has been quick to capitalize on Algeria’s diplomatic retreat. The kingdom has maintained an neutral stance toward the military coups and refrained from condemning them.
Morocco’s approach aligns with its “Morocco First” policy, championed by King Mohammed VI, which highlighted national sovereignty and pragmatism in foreign relations. This policy resonates with the junta’s own sovereigntist positions, helping Morocco establish stronger ties with countries in the Sahel.
Moreover, Morocco’s long-standing economic and strategic engagements in the region have provided fertile ground for its growing influence.
The kingdom has established significant economic partnerships and military cooperation with several Sahelian nations. Notably, many of the leaders of these juntas, such as Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré, have received military training in Moroccan academies, fostering deeper bilateral relations.
Morocco has successfully positioned itself in three key areas to fill the diplomatic void left by Algeria. First, through its Atlantic Initiative, Morocco offers landlocked Sahel countries an alternative trade route, bypassing traditional West African ports.
Second, it serves as an intermediary between the Sahel and Gulf investors, facilitating much-needed financial inflows. Lastly, Morocco plays a pivotal role in mediation between Sahelian countries and European nations, especially in the context of security and diplomatic discussions.
One of the most prominent examples of Morocco’s growing influence was its involvement in securing the release of four French agents from Burkina Faso in December 2023. King Mohammed VI’s personal intervention in the matter solidified Morocco’s role as a key mediator in the region, underscoring its position as a reliable partner for both Sahelian countries and European powers.
While Algeria has struggled to regain its diplomatic footing in the Sahel, Morocco’s growing influence in the region suggests a shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Maghreb. In the broader context of this rivalry, the recent changes in U.S. leadership are also playing a role.
Under the previous Trump administration, the U.S. recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara in 2020, a significant diplomatic victory for the kingdom. The shifting political dynamics may further affect the balance of power in the Maghreb, especially as Algeria grapples with its declining influence and domestic unrest.
As the struggle for influence in the Sahel intensifies, Morocco’s strategic positioning as a diplomatic, economic, and military actor is steadily gaining ground, while Algeria faces increasing challenges in maintaining its historical influence over the region. The contest between these two North African powers will define the future of the Sahel and the broader Maghreb.