«Morocco has a clear opportunity in the Sahel, but only if it avoids repeating the past missteps of France and Algeria», emphasizes Ali Ansari, president of the Timbuktu Center for Studies. The Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, announced a two-day visit to Morocco, how would you describe this move ? This trip aims to explain to Moroccan officials the reasons behind Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso's withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on January 28th. Therefore, following their exit from this regional bloc, the three countries, united since September 2023 under the Alliance of Sahel States, require new partners who can guarantee a reliable supply of food products and medicines. Niger is particularly in need of large quantities of medicines, especially after facing economic sanctions imposed since July 26th by Nigeria on the government of Niamey. Mali also sees Morocco as a regional actor capable of responding to its most urgent demands. Additionally, Mali's Foreign Affairs and Defense ministers are planning a visit to Morocco. Is Algeria still influential in Niger ? Relations between Algiers and Niamey are strained. Niger has strengthened its ties with the eastern Libyan leader, Khalifa Haftar, who is considered an enemy by the Algerian authorities. Despite this, the two countries maintain security cooperation in the fight against terrorist groups, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. Algiers disapproves of this rapprochement, especially given its proximity to its southern borders. Does Morocco have an opportunity in the Sahel to strengthen its position in the region ? Morocco has a clear path ahead of it in the Sahel, but only if it avoids the mistakes of France and Algeria. Both sought to exert dominant control, ultimately losing influence in the region. Morocco's opportunity lies in offering collaborative partnerships to the Sahel states, not domineering relationships. In your opinion, is this the trap that Algeria and France have fallen into ? Treating these Sahel States as true partners, instead of showing them disrespectful treatment as Algeria and France had done, could lead Mali and Niger to reconsider their recognition of the «SADR» and align Russia, now highly influential in the region, with Morocco's stance on the Sahara issue. Algeria has struggled to adapt to the new situation, while Morocco's cautious approach seems to be yielding results. Notably, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad all joined King Mohammed VI's initiative for Sahel access to the Atlantic on December 23rd.
