France’s enduring strategy to destabilise the Sahel is manifesting through new and suspicious demonstrations allegedly organised by members of the Malian diaspora in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.
The protests, ostensibly opposing Mali’s withdrawal from ECOWAS, highlighted a shift in Paris’s tactics as it grapples with diminishing influence in the region.
Following the expulsion of French military forces from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic (CAR) between 2022 and 2023, the Sahel has sought autonomy from Paris’s historical grip.
The newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES) —comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—has collaborated to counter terrorism while resisting external interference. Yet, France’s attempts to retain its influence remain relentless, evolving from direct military intervention to covert destabilization strategies.
Two demonstrations were scheduled for January 11 and 12 in Abidjan and Dakar, respectively. The protests, purportedly led by Malian citizens opposing their country’s withdrawal from ECOWAS, raise suspicions. The timing and nature of these rallies echo a similar incident in July 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire, where a so-called Malian collective protested against Mali’s decision to leave ECOWAS. It was later revealed that the protest was orchestrated by a fictitious and illegitimate association with no ties to the genuine Malian community.
The Malian diaspora in Côte d’Ivoire publicly denounced the July event, reaffirming its unwavering support for Mali’s transitional authorities. Community leaders clarified that no legitimate Malian organization had participated in or authorized the protest. This historical context casts significant doubt on the authenticity of the upcoming demonstrations, particularly given Côte d’Ivoire’s role as a traditional ally of France.
Reports indicate that France’s destabilisation efforts have expanded beyond supporting armed groups to influencing civilian populations. By manipulating public opinion through staged protests, Paris aims to sow discord within West African communities and undermine the sovereignty of the AES.
For instance, in December 2023, Niger’s interim leader, Abdourahamane Tiani, accused France of supporting terrorist operations in the Sahel by providing financial aid and intelligence.
Similar accusations have emerged from Burkina Faso, where French agents in Côte d’Ivoire were allegedly linked to destabilization attempts. In October 2024, a clandestine network of French operatives was uncovered, accused of supplying equipment to armed groups and financing terrorist activities in the Sahel.
The demonstrations in Abidjan and Dakar appear to be part of a broader propaganda campaign orchestrated by France. By presenting these protests as grassroots movements, Paris seeks to create an illusion of dissent among Malians while deflecting attention from its own agenda. These tactics reflect France’s desperation to maintain leverage in the Sahel.
Such French propaganda activities have multiplied since the AES countries decided to withdraw from ECOWAS, threatening France’s political and economic interests. With the AES’s withdrawal from the organization, Paris will lose its last means of pressure on these countries.
The scheduled protests in Abidjan and Dakar symbolize a new chapter in France’s strategy to destabilize the Sahel. As the Alliance of Sahel States countries pursue regional sovereignty and independence from former colonial powers, France’s actions highlight its unwillingness to accept the shifting dynamics.
While the true origins of these demonstrations remain unclear, the evidence points to a calculated effort by Paris to disrupt the region’s progress and reassert control. The Sahel’s leaders and citizens must remain vigilant in countering these external pressures to safeguard their hard-earned autonomy.
