The Algerian Regime: Russia’s Political Shift from Ally to Rival in the Face of the African Sahel

Analysis by ALDAR/

In a surprising political development, the relationship between Russia and the Sahel African countries has undergone a major shift. A quadruple summit took place in Moscow on Thursday, April 3, 2025, between Russia and delegations from Sahel African countries.

This ministerial meeting marked a pivotal point, sending clear messages regarding Russia’s intentions toward the region, raising many questions about the future of major powers’ alliances in the area.

At this meeting, which included countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, Moscow expressed its readiness to provide political and security support to the Sahel countries. The Russian Foreign Minister stated that his country is prepared to contribute to establishing an independent political path for these nations, while working on creating a new regional security framework relying on Russian special forces.

This statement reflects a tangible shift in Russia’s policy toward a region that had previously seen the Algerian regime as a close ally, raising many questions about the dimensions and motives of this change. While Moscow had supported Algeria in the past in addressing political and security challenges, it now appears that its priorities have shifted, with a clear direction toward supporting the Sahel countries’ alliance.

This raises several questions about the fate of regional alliances amid these changes and whether the Algerian regime will still be able to maintain its close ties with Moscow, especially in light of the growing competition for influence in the Sahel, a region currently grappling with political and security instability.

It seems that Russian policy is now taking multiple directions, as Moscow seeks to expand its influence in Africa by supporting regimes that align with its security and strategic interests. This shift has caused Algeria to gradually fall down Russia’s priority list, with the Sahel countries now in urgent need of military and political support.

What is clear is that Russia aims to broaden its influence in the region, a move that could lead to escalating tensions among regional powers, each of which is striving to maintain its position within the changing global power dynamics.