[2] The new Sahelian juntas have expanded economic and military relationships with each other, Iran, and Russia. [14]The Sahelian juntas have also turned to Iran and Russia for economic development and cooperation to alleviate the effects of Western and African sanctions. [18]Iran and Russia see North Africa and the Sahel as a means to advance their strategic aims of destabilizing Europe. The partnerships undermine Western efforts to economically isolate Iran, Russia, and other unfriendly authoritarian states by helping all countries mitigate sanctions. Stronger Salafi-jihadi insurgencies in Burkina Faso and Niger will amplify pressure on vital US counterterrorism and economic partners in littoral West Africa.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 26, 2024 15:11 UTC