logo
Sahel states recall envoys from Algeria

Sahel states recall envoys from Algeria

Gulf Today08-04-2025

Power equations among countries and in regions change pretty fast especially when that country and that region is going through difficult times and through times of instability. This has been so in the cases of Burkina Faso, Male and Niger.
All the three have gone through military coups, and there is a situation of civil war in each of them. Armed rebels face national armies. For a long time, these countries had French troops stationed in their countries, but after the coups, the French have been asked to withdraw their forces from the region. Burkina Faso, Male and Niger felt that the presence of French troops did not help much in controlling the situation.
It is to be noted that these three countries and other in this part of Africa, south of the Sahara, have been former French colonies. They are part of the Francophone countries. But as a former colonial power, France had carried too much historical baggage to be of any help in stabilising the political situation. The big unstated problem was the challenge posed by militant groups with a religious orientation, attacking minority groups and trying to impose authoritarian regimes.
The armies in these countries, which were mainly national armies that managed the colonial states that emerged at the time of decolonisation, were more involved in defending the state's interests and avoid sectarian conflicts. This is also the reason that those in power in Burkina Faso, Male and Niger have leaned towards Russia for arms and men – mostly private armies from Russia – to fight the armed rebels. This development of course brings its own set of problems, but that is another issue.
Meanwhile, these three states believe that Algeria is supporting the Islamic militant groups. And the matter came to a head when Algeria shot down a Malian drone.
These three Sahel states have termed it a violation of international law, claiming that the drone was within the territory of Male. The three states have recalled their envoys to Algeria, which created a diplomatic breach of a serious kind.
It seems that the downing of the drone was a pretext for these countries to snap the ties with the big neighbour to the north. What is interesting is the fact that for nearly a decade and more, Algeria fought a traumatic civil war with the Islamic Salvation Front in the 1990s, in which thousands of Algerians had lost their lives on both sides.
But the secular forces in Algeria did not give up, and they had succeeded in keeping the religious forces at bay. Algeria had fought the successor group of Islamic Salvation Front. So, it would seem ironic that Algeria should support Islamic armed rebels in Sahel, as claimed by Burkina Faso, Male and Niger. Algeria had been a deal-maker in the conflict between Male and Tuareg rebel group in the north of Male. It is a border region between Algeria and Male. So, the trigger for the conflict is immediate.
According to an assessment of Global Centre for Responsibility to Protect, 2.8 million people have been displaced due to internal conflicts between the armies and the armed Islamic groups, and of them 2.1 million are in Burkina Faso. There is demand from rights groups that military-ruled governments in the region violate human rights through forced arrests, the Islamic insurgent groups target civilian groups. The three governments have formed a military alliance, and they have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States in January this year.
This has not helped because there are not many other states which could help in resolving conflict situations. There are complaints from international rights groups that the armies in control in these countries violate human rights and target civilians, in the same manner that the armed rebels do.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

EU, Britain reach post-Brexit deal on Gibraltar Border
EU, Britain reach post-Brexit deal on Gibraltar Border

Al Etihad

time2 hours ago

  • Al Etihad

EU, Britain reach post-Brexit deal on Gibraltar Border

12 June 2025 00:14 BRUSSELS (WAM)The European Union (EU) and Britain have agreed on the status of the overseas territory of Gibraltar, facilitating border crossings and resolving years of political territory has had its border arrangements with Spain as a significant point of contention since the United Kingdom's decision to withdraw from the EU in Wednesday's agreement, arrivals at Gibraltar Airport will present their passports to both Gibraltarian and Spanish border British Foreign Office stated that this system mirrors the model used by French police at London's St. Pancras station, the terminus for the Eurostar service connecting Britain with mainland Europe. "We have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again," British Foreign Minister David Lammy said.

Sharjah Crown Prince receives leader of Dawoodi Bohra community
Sharjah Crown Prince receives leader of Dawoodi Bohra community

Gulf Today

time6 hours ago

  • Gulf Today

Sharjah Crown Prince receives leader of Dawoodi Bohra community

Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, received, on Tuesday, Dr Sultan Mufaddal Saifuddin of the Dawoodi Bohra community, along with his accompanying delegation, at the Sharjah Ruler's Office. At the start of the meeting, attended by Sheikh Majid Bin Abdullah Bin Majid Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Government Relation, the Crown Prince warmly welcomed Dr Sultan Mufaddal Saifuddin. He conveyed the greetings of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to the Sultan of the Bohras. Earlier, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, received Sultan Mufaddal Saifuddin of the Dawoodi Bohra community at his palace in Saqr Bin Mohammed City. The meeting discussed a number of humanitarian and social topics and highlighted the importance of supporting charitable initiatives and sustainable humanitarian projects, as well as promoting the concepts of religious tolerance and coexistence among different sects and religions. For his part, Mufaddal Saifuddin expressed his deep gratitude to Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi for the warm reception. He praised the noble values upheld by Emirati society, especially in terms of tolerance and coexistence among cultures and religions, considering the United Arab Emirates a model for tolerant Islamic societies that uphold the values of love and peace. In April, His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, received Prince Dr Husain Burhanuddin, son of the Sultan of the Dawoodi Bohra community, along with his accompanying delegation. The meeting took place at the Ruler's Court in Ajman, in the presence of Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of Ajman Executive Council. Sheikh Humaid warmly welcomed Prince Husain and his delegation, emphasising the UAE's commitment — under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan — to fostering mutual respect and understanding among cultures and nationalities as foundational pillars for sustainable security, stability, and social peace. The Ruler of Ajman praised the contributions of the Dawoodi Bohra community members, highlighting their positive role in promoting values of goodwill, tolerance, and cultural and religious pluralism. In a separate development, Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), chaired the council's meeting on Tuesday. The meeting was held at the Sharjah Ruler's Office, in the presence of Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council. The council discussed several topics related to monitoring the performance of government departments and implementing the plans and public policies of the Emirate of Sharjah, aiming to provide the best services to communities across various sectors. The Council reviewed a report on the services provided by Sharjah museums to visitors across the cities and regions of the Emirate. The report detailed how the museums operate in conveying and documenting historical, cultural, heritage, artistic, and Islamic information, in addition to offering an educational and entertaining experience targeting all age groups from children to adults. It also examined the annual report for the Endowment Trusts Account for the year 2024, highlighting the most notable achievements and initiatives carried out. The report showed growth in assets, revenues, and donations to various endowment projects, alongside the completion of a number of endowment projects that reinforced the position of endowment as a sustainable developmental tool. The Council was introduced to key figures and statistics from the report, including the income statement for the endowment trust account, the income statement for wills and endowment deeds, endowment projects implemented during 2024, endowment assets, the entities benefiting from endowment implementation inside and outside the country, and endowment investment. WAM

New report accuses France of 'continuously' delivering military equipment to Israel
New report accuses France of 'continuously' delivering military equipment to Israel

Middle East Eye

time8 hours ago

  • Middle East Eye

New report accuses France of 'continuously' delivering military equipment to Israel

A new report has accused France of "regularly and continuously" delivering military equipment to Israel since the start of its war on Gaza. According to the study by a coalition of NGOs released on Tuesday, deliveries have been continuous, both by sea and by air, since October 2023. They include more than 15 million "bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles and other munitions of war" worth more than $8m, as well as 1,868 "parts and accessories for rocket launchers, grenades, flamethrowers, artillery, military rifles and hunting rifles" worth more than $2m. The report was produced by the activist network Progressive International (PI) in cooperation with a coalition of NGOs including the Palestinian Youth Movement, the French Jewish Union for Peace, BDS France and Stop Arming Israel France. To compile the report, the organisations say they relied on data from the Israel Tax Authority, verifying imports that corresponded to French-made military equipment. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters By comparing these imports with French exports, they found "no fewer than 14 freight flights" as well as "at least 16 shipments destined for the Israeli ports of Haifa or Ashdod." At a press conference to launch the report at the National Assembly in Paris, David Adler of Progressive International said that the document "reveals a very stunning hypocrisy at the heart of President Macron's foreign policy and the sustained violation of international humanitarian law." 'The data presented in this report offers a very partial picture of French complicity in the occupation, destruction and genocide of the Palestinian people' - David Adler, Progressive International secretary general Denouncing "very hollow promises about Palestinian liberation" and the positioning of France "as a champion of human rights", he said the report confirmed "what many people in this country have long suspected to be true: that France has played and continues to play a central role in the traffic of arms to Israel not for defensive purposes but to be deployed against the people of Gaza and the occupied territories of the West Bank." Adler said the report also identified shipments of F-35 fighter jet components, artillery systems and machine gun ammunition, weapons that have been documented in use during the mass killing of Palestinian civilians attempting to access humanitarian aid in recent days. The authors have specified that the study is limited in scope. For example, drone components sold by the French group Thales are not included. "The data presented in this report offers a very partial picture of French complicity in the occupation, destruction and genocide of the Palestinian people," Adler said. More than 55,000 Palestinians have been killed as a result of Israel's war on Gaza, which several countries, as well as many international rights groups and experts, now describe as "genocide". "The full scope of this military cooperation, including classified licences and covert operations, remains hidden from public view and remains hidden from parliamentary view as well," Adler added. "We're here to demand accountability, transparency and a full parliamentary investigation into France's role in arming and aiding Israel as it continues to bomb, kill and starve the people of Gaza and occupy the West Bank." 'Double standards' The report follows revelations by the investigative media outlet Disclose last week that France was preparing to deliver machine gun equipment to Israel. According to Disclose, an Israeli cargo ship stopped last Thursday in Fos-sur-Mer, near Marseille, to deliver to Israel 19 pallets containing several tons of spare parts for machine guns. The parts, called "links", are small metal pieces used to connect machine gun bullets and allow rapid bursts of fire. There has been concern in the media and among rights groups that they have likely been used against civilians in the Gaza Strip. Gaza war: French arms sales to Israel marked by lack of transparency and control Read More » According to Disclose, the operation was authorised by the French government and was to be carried out in the utmost secrecy. Anne Savinel-Barras, president of Amnesty International France, said such deliveries were taking place "in opacity and in total contradiction" with the recent statements by French President Emmanuel Macron, who had expressed horror over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. "These weapons could be used to commit serious crimes under international law in Gaza and the West Bank," she said, urging France to end its "double standards" and impose a total embargo on all arms intended for Israel. "If France continues to authorise the delivery of war material to Israel, it is fuelling this genocide," Savinel-Barras added. According to Disclose, which had access to maritime data, two other such shipments between Fos-sur-Mer and the Israeli port of Haifa took place on 3 April and 22 May. French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu had stated at the time that these parts exported by a Marseille company, Eurolink, would be "re-exported" through Israel and not used by the Israeli army. On Friday, after French dock workers in Fos-sur-Mer blocked the shipment in protest, Lecornu stated again France's "clear" position that it does not sell weapons to Israel. Only "components" intended for the "Iron Dome", Israel's anti-missile system, or "elements for re-export" are sold to Israel, he added. In the latter case, "some items go to Israel, undergo industrial intervention, and are often re-exported. Sometimes even to France. And all of this is subject to monitoring," Lecornu said. Lack of accountability According to experts, including the report's authors, it is impossible to verify whether equipment sold by France are actually used by the Israeli army and deployed in Gaza. In France, military affairs fall exclusively under the executive branch. Arms deliveries are covered by state secrecy, which means the parliament has almost no room to manoeuvre in controlling the government's actions. UK and France abandon plans to recognise Palestinian state at conference Read More » During the press conference on Tuesday, Bastien Lachaud, a France Insoumise MP and a member of the parliamentary defence committee, said that his party had been questioning the government about arms exports to Israel for months without satisfying answers. "There is no guarantee and no follow-up on the supposed reshipments of weapons assembled in Israel. Similarly, we see that the parts cited in this report are not used in the Iron Dome." He pointed out that France is a signatory to the Arms Trade Treaty and, therefore, "there should not even be a question about what type of weapons or what quantity. "The treaty is very clear: when there is a risk of committing a war crime, a crime against humanity or a genocide, arms deliveries must cease immediately. This has not been the case here," he added. No French company can sell arms to Israel without "specific, detailed authorisation" from the French prime minister and government, he said, lamenting that parliament is "deprived of any power to control arms deliveries". Meanwhile, on Tuesday, a French court rejected a request from NGOs asking it to ban Israeli companies from the Paris Air Show scheduled from 16 to 22 June at Le Bourget, near Paris, citing the risk of perpetuating "international crimes". The court considered that an obligation to screen exhibitors would involve "in-depth legal and political analyses, closely linked to the conduct of France's international relations, which SIAE [the organiser] does not appear capable of conducting," a lawyer for the NGOs told AFP.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store