Sahel: End of cooperation with Luxembourg

“A final stop”. In an answer addressed to Essentialthe Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms the disengagement of Luxembourg cooperation in the three countries of the Alliance of the Sahel States: Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. “Following the coups in Burkina Faso and Mali and in the absence of a prospect of an upcoming return to constitutional normality in these countries, Luxembourg has decided not to renew its cooperation programs with bilateral developments that will eventually come in 2025. Bilateral cooperation with Niger has been suspended since the 2023 coup, followed by the arbitrary arrest of President Mohammed Bazoum ”, specifies Luxembourg diplomacy.

The consequences of deep degradation in these countries, among the poorest on the planet. To the economic, security crises and successive wars have therefore added alliance reversals to the will of the powers in place to get closer to Russia by Vladimir Putin, on the military, but also of China, for the construction of infrastructure (roads, stadium). The old colonial power, France, has been hunted and it was all “Westernophobia” that has developed.

“The truth is that Luxembourg has been admirable and resilient in these countries. He was one of the last to remain committed, while the others left. He will also continue to do so in a way, ”explains Thomas Kauffmann, Managing Director of MSF Luxembourg.

Because the withdrawal of the Grand Duchy in terms of cooperation does not mean a total abandonment of the populations in need. “The decision of the Grand Duchy is not a surprise. Fortunately, there is no cessation of humanitarian emergency funding. It is even the opposite, ”says a project manager. “The Luxembourg government has decided to maintain support for the programs implemented through NGOs, humanitarian actors and multilateral agencies. Luxembourg will remain committed to supporting populations in these countries, ”confirms the ministry.

A lesser evil considering the gradual departure of other Western countries. “This global disengagement is felt on the ground,” deplores Thomas Kauffmann. An article recently published by our colleagues from Young Africafocused on the efforts of Luxembourg and Belgium, reports great concerns for the development of the three countries in the sectors of agriculture, education and private investment.

Basic subjects that do not make the weight in the face of the powerful anti -colonial rhetoric of the military regimes in place. “Good riddling,” commented several Nigerian, Malian or Burkinabé nationals on social networks. Despite tensions, Luxembourg “maintains diplomatic relations”, confirms the ministry, in addition to humanitarian support in a context as heavy as risky.

Thomas Kauffmann thus evokes “risk of removal and pressures”. And the ministry confirmed: “The security situation was an aggravating factor in the decision to close the programs, as access to the regions and beneficiary populations has been made difficult, if not impossible for our agents”.