The Sahel Role in Africa's Political Shift! Insights from Dr. Oualaalou

30 Dec 2025 · 1 min

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In this commentary, David Oualaalou analyzes the recent wave of coups across Africa, with a particular focus on the Sahel region and Burkina Faso. He argues that the political fragmentation expected to intensify in 2025‑2026 is rooted in deep economic hardship and a growing desire for autonomy among Sahelian populations. Oualaalou challenges the prevailing Western think‑tank narrative that frames these events merely as democratic backsliding, questioning whether democracy has delivered tangible benefits such as food security for ordinary citizens. He emphasizes the need to view these movements as rational responses to material deprivation rather than simple regressions, and calls for close monitoring of the evolving political landscape in the coming years.

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So, and of course with 2026, with what we saw, still seeing in 2025, you're gonna be seeing some sort of political fragmentation that will take place. Of course some will say, well, it's only Africa that we're gonna focus on this. No, not necessarily. Yeah, Africa has experienced a wave of coups recently, but some of them for good reason. Look where Burkina Faso is right now. Look where the Sahel, region is right now, economically speaking, and they are moving towards more independence and autonomy. Of course, some Western think tanks gonna be saying, well, wait a minute, Dr. O, this is about democratic backsliding. No. What does democracy— what did democracy do for those people? Did democracy put food on their table? No. No, let's be realistic. So, and that is part of this. The one thing that I am certain of, it's what we are looking at, will be looking into.