The United Arab Emirates is intensifying its strategic presence in the Sahel specifically with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
In a rapid diplomatic tour spanning less than 24 hours, Emirati Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan visited the capitals of all three AES member states – all currently under transitional military governments.
In Bamako, Sheikh Al Nahyan met with Mali’s transitional leader, General Assimi Goïta, to reaffirm and expand a security partnership originally formalized in 2019. The discussions also covered Emirati investment in key sectors such as renewable energy – highlighted by the Touna solar project – agriculture, and healthcare. Both sides reiterated their joint commitment to counter-terrorism efforts.
The Emirati minister then continued to Burkina Faso, where he held talks with President Ibrahim Traoré. Conversations centered on economic recovery and revitalizing long-standing bilateral ties. While no new agreements were publicly announced, the visit underscored a shared interest in strengthening economic cooperation.
The tour concluded in Niger, where President Abdourahamane Tiani received Sheikh Al Nahyan alongside Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine and Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangaré. The meeting served as a capstone to the UAE’s concerted diplomatic outreach in the region.
The UAE’s engagement comes at a time when the Sahel is grappling with rising insecurity and a reconfiguration of traditional alliances.
