Shifting Alliances: The role of non-regional powers in sahel security after ECOWAS departures

The security landscape of the Sahel region is undergoing a profound transformation following the withdrawal of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from several member states. This shift has created a power vacuum, prompting non-regional actors—most notably Russia, France, and China—to redefine their roles in regional stability and governance. These external powers leverage military, economic, and diplomatic strategies to secure influence, often pursuing competing agendas that reshape security dynamics and political alignments in the region. Russia has expanded its footprint through military cooperation and security agreements, capitalizing on rising anti-Western sentiments and disillusionment with traditional partners. The Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary force, has played an increasing role in counterterrorism operations and regime protection, particularly in Mali and Burkina Faso. Meanwhile, France, historically entrenched in the Sahel through Operation Barkhane and bilateral security agreements, faces diminishing influence as local governments pivot toward alternative partnerships. French disengagement has sparked new geopolitical realignments, with some states actively seeking security support beyond their former colonial ties. China's involvement, while less overtly military, focuses on economic statecraft and infrastructure investments under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Through financial aid, arms sales, and economic diplomacy, China seeks to maintain strategic relationships while avoiding direct military entanglement. As competition among these actors intensifies, the Sahel’s security trajectory remains uncertain, with implications for regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and governance. This study examines the evolving role of non-regional powers in Sahel security post-ECOWAS, analyzing their strategic interests, engagement tactics, and the broader geopolitical consequences of their involvement.