The United Nations is taking a smaller but more diplomatic role in the Sahel as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger push for greater control over their security and political affairs.
The UN’s most visible presence in the region changed after its peacekeeping mission in Mali, known as MINUSMA, ended in 2023 at the request of Mali’s transitional government.
However, the organisation remains active through diplomacy, humanitarian assistance and development programmes.
UN presence in Sahel changes
Political engagement continues through the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel, or UNOWAS.
The UN Security Council renewed the office’s mandate in February until January 31, 2029.
Its work includes preventive diplomacy, mediation and support for political dialogue.
Meanwhile, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have strengthened cooperation through the Alliance of Sahel States, known as the AES.
The three countries officially withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025.
They have placed sovereignty and strategic autonomy at the centre of their regional approach.
Diplomacy takes bigger role
The changing political landscape has reduced the space for some forms of international involvement.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Nigerian security analyst Kabir Adamu said the UN should focus more on diplomacy, development and locally driven solutions rather than large peacekeeping deployments.
Another analyst, Mubarak Aliyu, told Al Jazeera that the UN’s ability to influence political and security outcomes in AES countries had become more limited.
Despite the changes, humanitarian challenges remain across the Sahel.
Displacement, armed violence and food insecurity continue to affect communities across national borders.
As a result, the UN continues to work in the region through humanitarian operations, political dialogue and cooperation with regional organisations.