{
  "id": 17385276,
  "title": "The Sahel, a new front in the rivalry between Algeria and Morocco",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/the-sahel-a-new-front-in-the-rivalry-between-algeria-and-morocco",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T10:24:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Middle East Eye",
    "slug": "middle-east-eye",
    "url": "https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sahel-new-front-rivalry-between-algeria-and-morocco"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Sahel, a region struggling with instability, has emerged as a new battleground in the longstanding rivalry between Algeria and Morocco. These two North African states are employing different strategies to expand their influence in the area, as Sahelian states seek to strengthen their partnerships.\n\nAlgeria's approach centers on security and proximity, as the country prioritizes its national security concerns. Mali and Niger, which share long borders with Algeria, have experienced political instability and armed groups crossing its borders. To address these issues, Algeria has sent fighter jets to Niger and deployed troops in the country, a first since 1973. The country also aims to regain a diplomatic role in the region, where its influence had weakened due to crises with Mali and Niger. Relations with Mali have been strained since a 2023 dispute over internal affairs, and Mali recalled its ambassadors in January 2024 after Algeria shot down a Malian drone. Relations with Niger have improved since then.\n\nOn the other hand, Morocco focuses on strengthening economic, religious, cultural, and diplomatic ties with Sahelian states. Moroccan banks are present in multiple African countries, and Rabat relies on its financial network and investments to expand its economic footprint. Morocco has also developed agricultural partnerships and training programs, including for imams, to promote religious cooperation. In April 2025, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger endorsed the Moroccan Atlantic Initiative, which aims to provide landlocked Sahelian states access to the West African coast through Moroccan port infrastructure. This initiative signifies Morocco's ambition to create an economic corridor linking Morocco to West Africa and the Sahel.",
  "summary": "The Sahel, a new front in the rivalry between Algeria and Morocco Submitted by MEE correspondent on Fri, 10/30/2026 - 14:07 Rabat and Algiers are deploying competing strategies of influence in the region, as Sahelian states seek to broaden their partnerships Trails left by trucks carrying food for humans and animals crossing the Sahara Desert are seen in the Djado area of Niger, on 22 May 2023…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}