Image Source: INSS
Africa – Leader of the opposition People’s Democratic League (PDL) in Sierra Leone, Alimamy Bakarr Sankoh, warned that African leaders should be concerned by Israeli threats, following remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a viral video, Netanyahu suggested that after concluding military operations in the Middle East, his next focus would be on “liberating” Africa.
Sankoh said the statement must not be taken lightly. He argued that Netanyahu’s rhetoric points to deeper intentions and signals an era of renewed interference in African affairs, particularly in regions that have resisted alignment with Western interests and foreign domination.
“We are concerned because Israel has never made short threats without executing its intentions. I know the intentions of Benjamin, the current Prime Minister of Israel, are not good for Africa,” he said.
“He has grudges, hatred and malice towards, in particular, the Sahel region, where the three wise men—that of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—did not support Israel’s aggression on Palestine and Iran. So he has the intention now, after the Middle East, to turn the gate on the Sahel region in the name of liberating the African continent, which is our first flag.”
He pointed to the Sahel region’s refusal to support Israeli military actions as a trigger for potential retaliation. According to Sankoh, leaders in these countries are already being targeted in efforts to destabilise their governments and dismantle resistance to foreign control.
Sankoh claimed that assassination attempts on several West African heads of state are not isolated incidents, but part of a wider geopolitical play to undermine Pan-African unity and leadership.
“President Ibrahim Traoré, for instance, has survived 31 assassination attempts on his life in less than three years. The same goes for the President of Mali, General Assimi Goïta, and also for the President of Niger, General Abdourahamane Tchiani. So we are worried about this development.”
African Leaders Urged to Act Before It’s Too Late
Sankoh accused foreign powers, including Israel and the United States, of fuelling terrorism and political violence across the continent. He said the international community must recognise the long-standing history of interference that continues to erode Africa’s sovereignty.
He warned that any renewed campaign to “liberate” Africa could undo years of progress and pose a serious threat to future generations.
“We know the role of Israel in the destruction and assassination of President Muammar Gaddafi of Libya, and most of the political assassinations in Africa have the blueprint of Israel,” he said.
“Learning of another aggression on the African world means destroying the development that is taking place on the continent today, meaning destroying the hope of the future generations of this continent.”
Sankoh said African leaders must not wait until it is too late. He revealed that talks are already underway across the diaspora to coordinate a continental response, which may include mass demonstrations, petitions, and formal appeals to global institutions.
He described Netanyahu’s rhetoric as a direct threat to political stability, peace, and Africa’s right to self-determination.
“We are in consultations with Africans all over the world to decide what response we can give to Benjamin Netanyahu. One of the actions on the table now is to come out to the street to protest—to reject Netanyahu’s aggressive rhetoric towards Africa,” he said.
“We consider his pronouncement as a threat to peace, a threat to political stability, and even a threat to the development of the African continent.”
Sankoh warned that the rest of Africa would not be spared if the Sahel region fell. He said the chain of destabilisation would likely continue, moving southward and westward, with South Africa and Nigeria possibly next in line.
He urged African leaders to step up—not for external approval—but for the preservation of their nations, their people, and Africa’s collective future.
Sankoh said the moment called for unity and clarity of purpose. He reminded African heads of state that their mandate is to serve their people, not foreign agendas. That history would remember those who failed to act when the continent needed them most.
