Khaled Abou Zahr
Gruesome videos emerged this week of rebel fighters in Africa surrounded by dead bodies, while gunshots were audible in the background. The scenes were from a battle in northern Mali, where Wagner mercenaries, accompanying Malian troops, were ambushed by a coalition of Tuareg rebels and an Al-Qaeda affiliate known as JNIM. The videos showed Russian mercenaries being captured and vehicles set ablaze.
JNIM claimed the ambush killed 50 Russians and several Malian soldiers, while it also captured some survivors. Ukrainian intelligence allegedly aided the rebels. Wagner Group channels reported heavy losses, including the death of their commander and a prominent military blogger. While exact casualty numbers remain unverified, this attack marks one of the worst setbacks for Russian paramilitaries in Africa, as well as highlighting the extremely volatile situation in the continent.
I will not comment on the fact that Western-supported Ukraine is on the same side as an Al-Qaeda affiliate in Africa. While news of the event was celebrated in Western capitals, this video outlines the main issues faced in Africa and the shifting of geopolitical equilibrium. France, the UK and, more recently, the US are looking to stop China and Russia’s advance. This great power competition is causing great misery for the African people and is creating disastrous outcomes. Foreign interference and proxy wars, mostly conducted to access key resources and logistics routes, have grown in intensity in the past years.
There is, nevertheless, no doubt that something is changing. Indeed, there is a new vision that looks to build Africa and develop an African voice. In this new and third route, African capitals are coming to the realization that Gulf Cooperation Council countries are solid and valid partners that can support a development that great power competition has never allowed. It is an alignment of a corridor of middle powers that have suffered the same ills and look at the development of their countries as a priority.
Gulf countries have an excellent understanding of the intricate issues that come with natural resources and the economic transformation and diversification needed to bring their countries to the next phase of growth. They have also shown the capacity to rebalance the equilibrium of relations. And so, since their independence, they have built true and respectful partnerships with foreign countries. It is a lesson African countries can learn from.
Moreover, GCC countries’ approach to Africa comes without greed and even with goodwill. They are looking to support the development of these countries and establish mutually beneficial relations. This is an approach that is set on the long term, unlike those of some other actors. There are two keys to this approach: the political aspect and the economic, and they go hand in hand.
We have noticed stronger political relations between GCC and African countries emanating from an understanding of the risks of instability for both regions. We have witnessed strategic alliances and diplomatic engagements that are mutually beneficial. The GCC nations, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have strengthened political ties with African nations to enhance regional security. This has included signing defense agreements, establishing military cooperation and mediating regional conflicts. These political engagements are part of a broader strategy to build stability in key African regions, while also addressing security and political challenges that impact both the Middle East and Africa.
The other aspect of this engagement is on the economic side. Saudi Arabia has significantly increased its investments in Africa, contributing to economic development and regional stability through various strategic initiatives. The Public Investment Fund has poured funds into large-scale agricultural projects, enhancing food security. In the energy sector, ACWA Power has developed solar power plants in Morocco and South Africa, supporting sustainable energy solutions. Infrastructure investments have included the construction of roads, bridges and ports, as well as improving trade and connectivity.
The Kingdom has also invested in healthcare by building hospitals and funding public health initiatives and in education by establishing schools and universities, as well as providing scholarships. Additionally, Saudi investments in mining ventures in resource-rich countries tap into Africa’s mineral wealth, encouraging industrial growth and employment. These investments underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable development and long-term prosperity across Africa.
This is making African countries look toward the GCC as a reliable partner and even a mediator. As an example of these historical changes, the latest took place in Gabon. In August 2023, following the announcement that Ali Bongo had won a third term in a general election, military officers declared they had taken power in a bloodless coup. Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema was appointed as the country’s transitional leader and was sworn in as interim president of Gabon on Sept. 4 last year. He assured global leaders of his commitment to cooperation, emphasizing a win-win partnership approach for Gabon’s development.
Nguema outlined his vision to restore the dignity and sovereignty of the Gabonese people, promising fundamental changes, including an honest administration, improved security, urban cleanliness and enhancements in education, transportation and public health. As a step toward achieving these goals, the government has been positive about the support and partnership of the GCC and Saudi Arabia in particular
While the road ahead is still filled with difficulties and images of destruction will continue to be present, there is no doubt that the Africa-GCC corridor has the potential to create historical opportunities for Africa. A continent that could feed itself and the Middle East is unfortunately still a net importer. It is key issues and opportunities such as this that GCC public-private partnerships are looking to develop. Already, African capitals know that they have a partner without greed but with hope.
• Khaled Abou Zahr is the founder of SpaceQuest Ventures, a space-focused investment platform. He is CEO of EurabiaMedia and editor of Al-Watan Al-Arabi.
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