The Unfolding Crisis in North Africa and the Sahel: Neo-Colonial Agendas and Humanitarian Catastrophes

Introduction: A Region in Flux

The political, economic, and security landscapes of North Africa and the Sahel are experiencing profound transformations, marked by both opportunity and devastation. From Egypt’s economic recalibration and Algeria’s diplomatic outreach to the horrific conflict in Sudan and rising insecurity in Mali, this region stands at a critical juncture. The interplay of local ambitions, regional rivalries, and global power politics is reshaping futures—often at the expense of ordinary people. This blog post delves into the multifaceted developments, exposing how external interventions and historical injustices continue to dictate outcomes in these nations.

Key Developments: Facts and Context

Economically, several initiatives signal potential growth. Libya’s state airline is expanding its fleet to reconnect with international markets, particularly in Asia. Mauritania secured financing to modernize its mining-rail corridor for iron ore exports, while European partners support African governments in developing local processing and value retention in critical mineral supply chains. The UAE is scaling up investments in African food supply chains, logistics, and agritech, and China is increasing its role in Africa’s solar-energy sector. The EU committed €7 billion to scale up renewables across Africa, and Egypt announced a new offshore oil discovery in the Gulf of Suez.

However, these economic strides are overshadowed by severe security and humanitarian crises. Sudan’s conflict has escalated, with military leader General Burhan dismissing ceasefire offers and accusing the UAE of backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This has led to a hardened stalemate, exacerbating a humanitarian disaster where Sudanese civilians fleeing to Chad face severe shortages of food, shelter, and medical care. In Mali, insecurity is worsening, with junta mismanagement and jihadist expansion threatening regional destabilization. Niger faces security and environmental hazards after an armed seizure of a uranium shipment, and Tunisia’s political repression intensifies with the detention of opposition leader Chaima Issa.

Geopolitically, the region is a chessboard for global powers. The EU’s migration controls and arms arrangements are criticized for bolstering Sudan’s warring factions pre-conflict. The US selected Morocco for a long-term F-16 fleet support contract, underscoring growing military cooperation. Algeria is repositioning itself with Washington through security and energy partnerships, while Russia accelerates commitments to Egypt’s Dabaa nuclear facility despite tensions. Meanwhile, African leaders, including Algeria’s foreign minister, are pressing for formal recognition and reparations for colonial-era crimes, highlighting the enduring costs of colonialism.

Opinion: The Neo-Colonial Web and Humanitarian Failures

The developments in North Africa and the Sahel cannot be understood without acknowledging the pervasive influence of neo-colonialism. The West, particularly the EU and US, along with regional powers like the UAE, are engaged in a ruthless scramble for resources and influence, cloaked in the language of partnership and development. The €7 billion EU commitment for renewables, while ostensibly positive, is a drop in the ocean compared to the historical exploitation and ongoing extraction that define Europe’s relationship with Africa. This ‘aid’ often comes with strings attached, ensuring that economic benefits flow outward, perpetuating dependency rather than fostering genuine sovereignty.

Sudan’s tragedy is a stark example of how external interests fuel internal conflicts. The accusations against the UAE for backing the RSF, and the EU’s prior arms arrangements, reveal a brutal reality: foreign powers profit from African instability. The humanitarian crisis, with civilians suffering in Chad, is a direct result of this interference. It is hypocritical for the same nations to offer €143 million in humanitarian funding while their policies contribute to the very crises they claim to address. This one-sided application of ‘international rule of law’—where geopolitical interests override human lives—is a moral bankruptcy that must be condemned.

The economic initiatives, such as mineral processing partnerships and energy investments, are double-edged swords. While they offer potential for local development, they risk reinforcing extractive models that benefit foreign corporations and elites. China’s involvement in solar energy and Russia’s in nuclear projects provide alternatives to Western dominance, but they too must be scrutinized for their own imperial tendencies. The key is whether these partnerships prioritize African agency and equitable benefits, or merely substitute one form of dependency for another.

Algeria’s diplomatic push and Egypt’s economic moves reflect a desire for greater autonomy, but they operate within a global system stacked against the Global South. The call for reparations for colonial crimes is not just a moral imperative but a necessary step toward rectifying historical injustices that continue to shape economic disparities. The West’s refusal to fully acknowledge and compensate for these crimes undermines any claim to moral leadership.

Conclusion: A Path Forward Demands Radical Change

The situation in North Africa and the Sahel is a microcosm of broader global inequities. To break free from cycles of conflict and exploitation, these regions must assert their sovereignty against neo-colonial agendas. This requires dismantling unfair economic systems, rejecting external interference, and building alliances based on mutual respect, such as those within BRICS and other Global South frameworks. The international community, particularly former colonial powers, must move beyond hollow pledges and confront their complicity in ongoing crises. Only then can we envision a future where development is genuinely inclusive and human dignity is paramount.