Diverse alliances under the umbrella of multipolarity have been encouraged by the Central Sahel’s decline in pro-Western sentiment and strategic hedging. While foreign parties interpret this term via their own agendas, officials of the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES) emphasize sovereignty and multi-alignment. The European Union (EU) must reevaluate its involvement in this changing environment by pursuing focused, interest-based mining and energy cooperation in addition to initiatives to combat organized crime and international terrorism. EU influence can be maintained while honoring local goals by selective engagement in civilian spheres, including education and civil society. The expanding involvement of non-Western players as security and economic partners, combined with demographic estimates that foresee the Sahel’s population tripling to 154.4 million by 2051, highlights the urgency of continuing EU participation. A realistic, flexible approach is essential, focused on justice, education, and crime prevention, while restoring diplomacy as the cornerstone of collaboration. Coordinated EU and Member State measures, adapted to country-specific conditions, will boost effectiveness. Lastly, in order to promote peace and shared interests in the Sahel, the EU should carefully develop alliances with regional and international players, such as China, Turkey, India, and the United Arab Emirates, given their shared security concerns.
https://www.iss.europa.eu/publications/briefs/multi-aligned-sahel-reframing-eus-role-crowded-region