Military juntas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso continued to consolidate power in February 2026, maintaining the suspension of civilian governance that began with the wave of coups across the Sahel region. France completed its military withdrawal from the region, ending decades of counterterrorism cooperation. Russia’s presence has expanded significantly through private military contractors and official security partnerships, filling the vacuum left by departing French forces.
The three countries, known collectively as the Alliance of Sahel States, have aligned themselves with Moscow and expelled Western military missions. Democratic transition timetables announced by the juntas have come and gone without elections, raising concerns that military rule may become permanent. The political development has been accompanied by continued jihadist insurgencies that have actually worsened since the military takeovers.
The juntas promised to defeat terrorism faster than democracies could, but violence has increased. They may be trapped by their own propaganda.
Russia Expansion
Russian private military contractors have deployed extensively across all three countries, providing security services and training for local forces. The Wagner Group, now reorganized under various names, has been implicated in human rights abuses but remains the preferred security partner of the juntas. Russian arms sales and diplomatic support have strengthened Moscow’s position in a region previously considered France’s sphere of influence.
Humanitarian Crisis
The Sahel region faces a compounding crisis of conflict, climate change, and food insecurity. Millions of people have been displaced by jihadist violence and intercommunal conflict. The breakdown of state authority in rural areas has allowed extremist groups to expand their reach, creating zones where aid organizations cannot operate safely.