What role for Europe in the Middle East and North Africa?

Now that Europe is desperate to find new energy suppliers, the resource-rich countries of the Middle East and North Africa are hoping to boost their economy and influence.

  • Europe is unlikely to turn back to Russia for energy even after the war
  • MENA countries have suddenly become much more valuable allies
  • World powers’ competition for influence in the region will intensify

Burkina Faso: Another Russia-West hotspot?

A weak central government, a fragmented military and Islamic terrorism threaten to turn the Sahel nation into a geopolitical confrontation zone.

  • Two military coups in 2022 highlight political instability, horrendous violence
  • The nation may become the next battleground between Russia and the West
  • Strict military rule is seen as a bulwark against Islamic jihadist groups

Another Foreign Policy Mistake: Current view towards Africa

Why the Reactionary US Policy in Africa is a Mistake

The December 2022 African Leaders Summit in Washington, which brought together leaders and senior officials from 49 African states, and CEOs and leaders of over 300 private American and African companies to discuss US-Africa relations and to catalyze investment into critical sectors was supposed to be a turning point for the US policy in the continent. Indeed, consequent statements from the White House indicated a shift away from the traditional security-oriented approach to the 54 African states, and a refocus on a more cooperative approach, as well as a comprehensive policy on anti-corruption measures, democracy building, strengthening of the civil society, and economic development. Indeed, the Biden administration, unveiling a new policy, promised engagement with the various African state, rather than a limited focus on a few select partnerships, and seemed interested in diplomatic, political, and investment-based focus on a range of topics from peacebuilding to health to education. Indeed, on the surface, some of the dynamic leading up to these promised changes appeared to be positive. The appointment of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa showed apparent interest in mediating prolonged conflicts, playing a role in addressing or preventing refugee crises, and otherwise delving into the strategic issues proliferating in the region. President Biden announced an Africa tour scheduled for later in 2023.

Saudi-Egypt tension rises

Speculation is growing about a crisis between Saudi Arabia and Egypt manifested in relations between senior figures in both countries. Tension has come to the surface during the serious economic crisis in Egypt since Russia invaded Ukraine almost a year ago.

Libye: un premier pas franchi sur la question des mercenaires et des combattants étrangers

Après deux jours de réunion au Caire, le comité militaire libyen s’est mis d’accord, mercredi 8 février, sur un mécanisme d’échange d’informations et de coordination au sujet des mercenaires et des combattants étrangers présents sur le sol libyen. C’est la première fois que ce comité militaire, composé de cinq hauts-gradés des différents camps opposés en Libye, se réunit sous l’égide du Sénégalais Abdoulaye Bathily, nommé émissaire des Nations unies dans le pays l’été dernier. Des représentants du Niger, du Tchad et du Soudan ont été associés à la réunion et ont exprimé leur volonté de collaborer à ces efforts.

Au Soudan, Lavrov défend les opérations de Wagner en Afrique

En visite au Soudan, le chef de la diplomatie russe Sergueï Lavrov a défendu jeudi les opérations du groupe paramilitaire Wagner en Afrique, “déployé à la demande des gouvernements” et “contribuant à normaliser la situation dans la région” face à la menace “terroriste”.