The United States is recalibrating its policy in Africa’s Sahel region by seeking renewed engagement with the military-led governments of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, even as Russia deepens its diplomatic and security footprint across the same countries. The move reflects Washington’s strategy to strengthen cooperation on security and economic issues amid rising instability, Africa Business Insider reported.
Senior U.S. officials have conducted consultations with Sahel authorities, signalling a shift from strict conditionality tied to democratic governance toward a more pragmatic approach focused on counterterrorism and regional stability. A senior State Department official recently visited Mali to discuss security priorities and reinforce Washington’s commitment to dialogue with the three governments, Yahoo News UK noted.
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, all under military rule following coups between 2020 and 2023, have strengthened ties with Moscow. Russia has expanded its presence through state-controlled forces, replacing earlier mercenary deployments, and has formalised cooperation agreements under the Alliance of Sahel States, aiming to support local security operations and counter Islamist insurgencies, Africanews reported.
Analysts say the renewed U.S. engagement highlights a growing geopolitical contest in West Africa, with Russia seeking to cement influence through security and diplomatic channels while the United States works to reassert its presence in a region beset by jihadist violence and political fragility. How the Sahel states balance these relationships could shape regional alignments for years to come.
