Mali and Niger accuse neighbours of backing terrorism in Sahel rift

A widening diplomatic crisis is gripping West Africa after Mali and Niger publicly accused neighbouring states — and foreign powers — of being complicit in sustaining terrorism across the Sahel, further straining already fragile regional relations.

The dispute sharpened at a security forum in Senegal, where Mali’s foreign minister, Abdoulaye Diop, alleged that some neighbouring countries were “harbouring” and “supporting” armed groups responsible for ongoing attacks across central Sahel states. While he did not name specific governments, his remarks marked one of the most direct accusations yet from Bamako against regional partners, and hinted at what he described as external interference beyond Africa.

The comments come at a time when Mali, alongside Niger and Burkina Faso, is undergoing a dramatic geopolitical realignment following a series of military coups. The three junta-led states have increasingly distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing the bloc of failing to provide adequate security support and of being overly influenced by Western powers.

Instead, they have formed the Alliance of Sahel States, a parallel security and political bloc designed to coordinate military operations and assert greater sovereignty over counterterrorism strategy in the region. However, critics warn the split is weakening collective efforts to combat jihadist insurgencies that have spread across porous borders for more than a decade.

Niger’s foreign minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, reinforced Mali’s accusations during the same forum, stating that some countries engaged in counterterrorism cooperation were simultaneously “fuelling, sustaining and financing” extremist violence. He later clarified that he was referring specifically to France, a former colonial power whose military presence in the Sahel has been sharply reduced following rising anti-French sentiment in junta-led states. Paris has not yet publicly responded to the latest claims.

The allegations highlight the deepening mistrust between Sahel governments and both regional and international partners. France, which once led large-scale counterinsurgency operations in Mali and Niger, has withdrawn most of its troops following diplomatic breakdowns with military rulers. Meanwhile, Russia has expanded its security footprint in parts of the region, further complicating geopolitical alignments.

All three countries — Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso — continue to face sustained attacks from Islamist armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates. Despite years of international military interventions, the violence has persisted and in some areas intensified, displacing millions and destabilising local economies.

ECOWAS has repeatedly called for the junta-led states to return to constitutional rule and rejoin the regional bloc, warning that their withdrawal undermines coordinated responses to cross-border security threats. Yet leaders in Bamako and Niamey argue that ECOWAS has failed to respect their sovereignty and has been ineffective in addressing insecurity.

Despite the escalating rhetoric, there were limited signs of diplomatic flexibility. Mali’s foreign minister suggested that while political relations with ECOWAS remain strained, “pragmatic and limited cooperation” could still be possible, particularly in areas such as trade and movement of people.

However, analysts say the latest exchange of accusations risks pushing West Africa further into fragmentation at a time when militant groups are exploiting political divisions. With trust eroding between neighbours and competing alliances taking shape, prospects for a unified counterterrorism strategy in the Sahel appear increasingly uncertain.