Discontent is growing in the Sahel region with military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger due to unfulfilled promises and harsh tactics by Russian mercenaries. An investigative report reveals rising casualties and repression, while a newly formed alliance among juntas highlights a shift towards Russia. The articles underscore a precarious situation for citizens facing deteriorating living conditions and diminishing hope for change.
The recent military coups in the Sahel region, specifically in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have sparked widespread unrest as support for the ruling juntas wanes. Initially, the juntas claimed that civilian leaders were collaborating with former colonial ruler France to exploit local resources. In protest, civilians displayed Russian flags while burning French ones. However, disillusionment has surfaced due to the juntas’ failure to fulfill their promises and the violent tactics employed by Russian mercenaries, leading to the emergence of anti-Russian sentiments, as highlighted by Evelyn Groenink from ZAM, a Dutch media organization. A recent investigative report titled “Hotel Kremlin” featured undercover work by journalists Malick Sadibou Coulibaly, Ramdane Gidigoro, and Rachid Zaid Combary, revealing deteriorating conditions under military rule. Coulibaly reported, “It is 7 p.m. Everything is dark here. The lights are out due to almost continuous power cuts. Energie du Mali (EDM) has not provided power for 24 hours.” The report indicated that citizens had initially hoped for positive change post-coups but have instead faced increasing casualties and a lack of basic services. To withstand regional sanctions following the coups, the juntas of the three nations formed the Alliance of Sahel States, reflecting a shift towards Russia and a distancing from France and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Despite the new alliance, significant economic improvements have not been realized, with new wealth visibly concentrated among military leaders, as noted by Coulibaly who stated, “Here, new houses for the colonels have recently sprung up like mushrooms.” Repression of dissent has intensified, with reports of abductions, enforced disappearances, and crackdowns on media and opposition figures. Citizens are increasingly cautious about voicing their opposition to the juntas, with serious implications for human rights in the region. The prevailing resentment against France for perceived failures in combating terrorism is being exploited by Russia for disinformation campaigns, as the ZAM investigation notes, “Russia’s paramilitary brigades have not made the Sahel safer at all.”
The Sahel region, encompassing countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has experienced significant political upheaval in recent years, with multiple coups leading to military rule. The juntas, which have come to power from 2021 to 2023, initially captured popular support by criticizing the influence of colonial powers, primarily France, and promising changes to improve security against jihadist threats. However, the rising influence of Russian mercenaries, specifically the Wagner Group, and the subsequent disillusionment with military rule reflects a critical shift in public opinion and governance dynamics in the region.
The article sheds light on the increasing dissatisfaction with military juntas in the Sahel region, fueled by the failure to improve living conditions and the violent actions of foreign mercenaries. While the juntas initially garnered support by promoting anti-colonial sentiments, the reality of governance has led to rising casualties and a crackdown on dissent. The recent formation of alliances signifies a strategic pivot towards Russia, although it remains to be seen if this will translate into tangible benefits for the populace. Ultimately, the region finds itself in a precarious situation as citizens grapple with the consequences of military rule and foreign intervention.
Original Source: www.dw.com
