Niger's Prime Minister, Ali Mohamed Lemine Zein, addressed the United Nations General Assembly, stating that foreign forces are attempting to destabilize the Niger and Sahel regions. He claimed this was an effort to recolonize the area, driven by the desire to control its natural resources. Zein specifically mentioned uranium in Niger, gold in Mali and Burkina Faso, and lithium, gas, and oil as resources that have attracted the attention of former colonial powers.
In his speech, Zein accused France and Ukraine of supporting agents along the Niger's northeastern border, who are allegedly preparing to attack military sites and oil installations. He further alleged that France, in active complicity with Ukraine, is plotting to destabilize the central Sahel region. These accusations highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.
Despite these tensions, Zein emphasized that Niger does not seek to oppose any state and is open to security cooperation that respects its strategic interests, mutual benefit, and sovereignty. He underscored that the sovereignty of Sahel Alliance states is not negotiable and that the region's future will be decided locally, not elsewhere.
Zein presented the strengthening of sovereignty for Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger as an irreversible path. He recalled the signing of the Sahel States Alliance Charter on September 16, 2023, in Bamako, and the creation of the Confederation on July 6, 2024, in Niamey. These developments mark significant steps in regional cooperation and assertiveness.
The Sahel region has faced increasing instability, with various groups and foreign powers vying for influence. Zein's statements reflect the region's determination to assert its autonomy and protect its resources. The international community is closely watching these developments, given the region's strategic importance and natural wealth.
Zein's address to the UN General Assembly drew attention to the complex interplay of local, regional, and international factors driving the Sahel's instability. His call for cooperation based on mutual respect and sovereignty is likely to resonate with some nations, while others may view his accusations as a provocation.
The situation in the Sahel region remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation. Zein's leadership and the positions he has staked out for Niger and the Sahel Alliance will continue to influence the region's trajectory. The international community's response to these developments will be crucial in shaping the future of the Sahel.
Key points
- Niger's PM accuses France and Ukraine of plotting to destabilize the Sahel region for its natural resources.
- Zein emphasizes Niger's sovereignty and openness to security cooperation that respects its interests.
- The Sahel States Alliance, formed by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, aims to strengthen regional cooperation and sovereignty.
