Sahel Region: Military Governments, Terrorism and the Changing Role of Russia in Africa

The Sahel region of Africa is experiencing a major geopolitical and security transformation.

Countries including Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have experienced military coups and significant changes in their international partnerships.

These three countries established the Alliance of Sahel States and have moved away from several traditional Western security arrangements, particularly their previous cooperation with France and other Western partners.

At the same time, Russia has increased its involvement in the region through military cooperation and security assistance.

However, the security situation remains extremely challenging.

Jihadist organisations linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda continue to operate across large areas, taking advantage of weak governance, economic difficulties and limited government control.

A particularly significant development occurred in October 2026 when Algeria's parliament authorised the deployment of troops to Niger. This represents a major change in Algeria's regional military posture.

Another serious development involved Niger accusing Chad of conducting a drone strike that killed civilians in northern Niger on October 28.

In Mali, human rights activists alleged that a government drone strike killed at least 13 civilians. The government maintained that its operation targeted an armed group.

These developments demonstrate the complicated security environment facing African governments.

Russia's changing military role is also significant. Its forces have faced growing challenges, and their retreat from northern Mali following attacks by jihadist and Tuareg groups has raised questions about the effectiveness of external military assistance.

Geopolitical significance:

• Western influence in parts of Africa is changing.
• Russia is attempting to expand its diplomatic and security presence.
• Algeria's military involvement could alter regional security calculations.
• Terrorist organisations are exploiting political instability.
• The crisis could spread further towards coastal West African countries.

The Sahel is becoming an important strategic competition zone involving African governments, Russia, Western powers and regional organisations.