The Sahel’s Sovereignty Shift: A New Era for International Engagement

The United Nations’ diminished presence in the Sahel region has sparked a fundamental reevaluation of its role and influence in West Africa. With Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formalizing their departure from ECOWAS and deepening cooperation through the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), the UN is being forced to adapt to a new landscape where sovereignty takes center stage.

The termination of MINUSMA in 2023 marked the end of the UN’s most visible role in the region, but its impact on the ground has been far-reaching. The departure of peacekeeping forces has eroded the UN’s traditional leverage, as Mubarak Aliyu, a Nigerian analyst, observed: “The AES states have stripped away the mechanisms that once gave outside institutions leverage.” This significant loss of traction is largely due to the region’s growing emphasis on sovereignty and strategic autonomy.

Despite its reduced footprint, the UN remains an indispensable player in the Sahel. Its humanitarian work continues unabated, providing a vital lifeline for millions affected by displacement, armed violence, organized crime, food insecurity, and climate pressures. Climate change exacerbates environmental and economic vulnerabilities, making it a significant driver of instability.

The UN’s role in the region has evolved significantly since the heyday of MINUSMA. Today, diplomacy, mediation, humanitarian assistance, and development take precedence over traditional peacekeeping operations. The UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) now serves as a special political mission, focusing on preventive diplomacy, good offices, and conflict prevention.

The Security Council’s decision to extend UNOWAS’s mandate until 2029 is a testament to its continued relevance in the region. However, the request for an independent strategic review of its mandate and activities acknowledges the need for a more nuanced approach. This review comes at a critical juncture, as West Africa’s political landscape undergoes significant changes driven by military governments, new regional alliances, and a stronger emphasis on sovereignty.

The influence of external actors, particularly Russia, should not be understated. The deployment of Russia’s military presence has significantly altered the security dynamics in the region. Kabir Adamu, founder and managing director of Beacon Security and Innovations Limited, noted: “Moscow’s leverage extends into the Security Council chamber too, since its veto shapes what collective action the Council can attempt on Mali in the first place.” This subtle yet significant shift in power dynamics underscores the need for a more pragmatic approach to international engagement.

The UN must prioritize diplomatic and development solutions over traditional peacekeeping. Effective security sector governance and reform are critical components of this strategy. Adamu emphasized: “The UN’s priorities in the Sahel should promote effective security sector governance and security sector reform.” This means pivoting towards deep-rooted and core preventive strategies that address the root causes of fragility, conflict, and violence.

As the UN navigates this complex landscape, it must adapt its strategy to accommodate the region’s new reality. By bolstering alternative frameworks like MNJTF and the Accra Initiative, the UN can continue to play a vital role in the region, even as it cedes some of its traditional influence.

The Sahel’s sovereignty shift is a harbinger of a broader trend: the reevaluation of international engagement in regions where state institutions are weak or non-existent. The UN must be prepared to adapt and evolve if it hopes to remain relevant in this rapidly changing world.