The departure of international missions from Mali and Niger has left a security vacuum in the Sahel that directly affects Spain. The growing presence of Russia and China, the spread of jihadist terrorism, and the fragility of regional regimes have turned this crisis into a strategic challenge for Spanish foreign and defense policy.
The Vacuum After Withdrawal
In just two years, the map of the Sahel has been radically transformed. France’s Operation Barkhane has pulled out, the UN has ended its presence in Mali, and the EU mission in Niger is being progressively dismantled. In their place, new military governments are seeking alliances with Moscow, which has deployed forces linked to the Wagner Group—now rebranded under direct Russian state control. This shift has undermined Europe’s ability to exert influence in the region.
A Nearby Threat
For Spain, the Sahel is anything but a distant scenario. Instability directly impacts three fronts: jihadist terrorism, with ramifications reaching the Maghreb; migratory pressure, with routes crossing Mauritania and Morocco toward the Canary Islands; and energy security, given that Algeria is Spain’s main supplier of natural gas. The region has become an advanced frontier of national security.
The Role of Russia and China
Russia has consolidated itself as the military partner of Sahel regimes, offering security in exchange for mining concessions and political support. China, for its part, has intensified its economic and infrastructure footprint, filling the void left by Europe. Together, these moves reduce Spain’s and Europe’s room for maneuver, while weakening their ability to press for democratic reforms in the region.
Spain’s Strategy
Spain has reinforced bilateral cooperation with Mauritania and maintains a constant dialogue with Algeria and Morocco to contain migration routes. It is also pushing for the EU to recognize the Sahel as a strategic priority, advocating greater cooperation funds and a comprehensive approach that combines security, development, and governance. Spanish diplomacy insists that the Sahel is Europe’s southern frontier—not just Spain’s.
Foreign Policy Dilemmas
The withdrawal of European missions forces Spain to decide whether to increase its bilateral presence or rely on new multilateral frameworks. The risk is clear: without sustained engagement, the Sahel could become a permanent source of instability, affecting the Canary Islands, the Strait of Gibraltar, and energy security. The tension between pragmatism (agreements with military governments) and principles (defending democracy and human rights) will shape Madrid’s agenda.
Conclusion
The Sahel is today Spain’s foremost external security challenge. With the international drawdown, the government must craft a strategy that blends diplomacy, cooperation, and on-the-ground presence, relying on the EU and NATO but also strengthening bilateral alliances. The outcome of this effort will determine Spain’s ability to safeguard its interests in the Maghreb and West Africa in an increasingly contested geopolitical landscape.
