This week’s visit by Nick Checker, head of the US State Department’s African Affairs Office, to Mali signals a renewed US presence in the Sahel. However, Washington is recalibrating its Sahel strategy along three key axes: a pivot toward trade-focused diplomacy—especially in minerals—a security realignment marked by reduced permanent military deployments, and a shift away from broad humanitarian aid in favor of targeted economic and security partnerships.
Expert insights: Dr. Gnaka Lagoke on Washington’s evolving Sahel strategy
US foreign policy shifts under the Trump administration
When President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger was ousted last year, many expected the US to follow France’s lead in supporting a military intervention to restore him. Instead, the US adopted a more cautious approach—one that did not escalate into direct conflict. Even after Niger’s new authorities demanded the closure of US bases and the withdrawal of American forces, Washington refrained from aggressive posturing, a stance that began under the Biden administration.
In today’s geopolitical landscape—where Russia and China are expanding their influence—US policymakers have emphasized the importance of securing critical mineral resources in the Sahel, a region rich in strategic assets. This focus aligns with Washington’s broader foreign policy goals, as seen in recent engagements in Venezuela, Iran, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Why Nigeria has become the US’s preferred partner in West Africa
Following the withdrawal of US military bases from Niger, Washington has turned its attention to Nigeria as a key regional partner. While the Trump administration publicly framed its actions as a humanitarian response to protect Nigerian Christians from Islamist militants, analysts argue that the underlying motivation is likely tied to Nigeria’s vast oil reserves and other valuable resources. This dual focus on security and economic interests is expected to shape future US military basing decisions in the region, with existing assets from Niger reportedly relocated to Benin and Côte d’Ivoire.
Potential benefits for Alliance of Sahel States (AES) countries
For countries in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—engaging with the US under the Trump administration offers several strategic advantages. First, the US presents a negotiating alternative to the punitive policies imposed by France and the European Union, which have isolated AES nations. Second, in the context of the growing divide between Western powers and the BRICS bloc, the US offers African countries greater leverage in choosing partners that respect their sovereignty.
While US rhetoric emphasizes respect for Mali’s and its neighbors’ sovereignty—a message likely to resonate with regional audiences—there are indications of competing interests. Reports suggest that networks involving France, the United States, and other actors may still pursue regime change in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Whether this reflects a double game or evolving geopolitical realities remains to be seen.