The recent visit of Nick Checker, head of the U.S. State Department’s African Affairs Bureau, to Mali signals a renewed Washington presence in the Sahel. However, this engagement comes with a strategic pivot—three core priorities now guide American policy in the region: a stronger economic focus on trade, particularly in minerals; a recalibrated security approach that reduces permanent military deployments; and a shift away from broad humanitarian aid toward targeted economic and security partnerships.
Expert analysis: insights from Dr. Gnaka Lagoke
Driving forces behind U.S. policy in West Africa
DW: Dr. Gnaka Lagoke, during his visit to Bamako, Nick Checker engaged with Mali’s Foreign Minister and transitional leader Assimi Goïta. How has U.S. foreign policy in the Sahel evolved under the Trump administration, and what objectives does Washington now pursue in West Africa?
When President Bazoum was ousted in Niger, a stark contrast emerged. While France mobilized its allies to reinstate Bazoum, the United States adopted a distinctly different stance—one of restraint. Even after Niger’s new authorities demanded the closure of U.S. military bases and a full withdrawal, Washington refrained from escalating tensions. This approach began under President Biden and reflects a broader strategic recalibration.
In the context of rising geopolitical tensions—particularly between Russia, China, and the West—the U.S. has prioritized security and economic interests in resource-rich regions like the Sahel. Minerals critical to American industries are a key driver of this policy shift.
We’ve observed similar dynamics in Venezuela, Iran, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Sahel is no exception. Securing access to these vital resources is now central to U.S. strategy in West Africa.
Why Nigeria emerges as a key U.S. partner in the Sahel
DW: With U.S. military bases withdrawn from Niger, why has Nigeria become Washington’s preferred partner in West Africa?
When President Trump pledged to protect Christians allegedly targeted by Islamist militants in Nigeria, the U.S. conducted airstrikes in northern regions with the approval of Nigerian authorities. While these strikes had limited long-term impact on militant networks, analysts widely agree the underlying motivation was access to Nigeria’s vast energy and mineral wealth.
This dual focus on security and economic leverage—seen across the Sahel—suggests U.S. strategy under Trump will likely result in new military basing arrangements. It’s noteworthy that U.S. forces previously stationed in Niger have reportedly relocated to neighboring Benin and Côte d’Ivoire.
Opportunities for the AES states in engaging with the U.S.
DW: What potential benefits could the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—gain from aligning with the U.S. under Trump?
First, the U.S. presents itself as a negotiating partner, offering an alternative to the isolation imposed by France and the European Union. This alone is significant—it gives AES states room to maneuver diplomatically. Second, in a global landscape where the West and BRICS nations compete for influence, African countries gain leverage by engaging with multiple partners. The U.S. has emphasized respect for the sovereignty of Mali and other AES members—a message likely to resonate in the region.
However, concerns persist. Reports indicate networks involving France, the U.S., and other actors may be working to destabilize governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Is this a calculated strategy or a display of double standards? Only time will reveal the true intentions behind these maneuvers.
