U.S. pivots toward economic and security ties in the Sahel

Washington’s recent diplomatic engagement in the Sahel signals a strategic recalibration under new leadership. Nick Checker, head of the U.S. State Department’s African Affairs Bureau, concluded a high-profile visit to Mali this week, marking America’s renewed presence in the region. Unlike previous approaches, the U.S. is adopting a three-pillar strategy: prioritizing trade—particularly in critical minerals—reducing its permanent military footprint while reinforcing security cooperation, and transitioning away from broad humanitarian aid toward targeted economic and defense partnerships.

Expert analysis: U.S. Sahel strategy under new administration

Washington’s evolving priorities in West Africa

DW: Dr. Gnaka Lagoke, Nick Checker met with Mali’s foreign minister and transitional leader Assimi Goïta during his Bamako visit. How is U.S. foreign policy in the Sahel shifting under the Trump administration, and what are America’s goals in West Africa?

The coup in Niger exposed fundamental differences in crisis response. While France pushed for military intervention to restore President Bazoum, the U.S. adopted a more measured stance. After Niger’s new authorities requested the closure of the U.S. drone base in Agadez and the withdrawal of American forces, Washington avoided escalating tensions—even under the Biden administration.

Today, with global powers like Russia and China vying for influence and access to Africa’s vast mineral wealth, U.S. policymakers are emphasizing two priorities: security cooperation and economic engagement. The Sahel’s mineral reserves—critical for American industries—have become a key focus of Washington’s regional strategy, mirroring approaches seen in Venezuela, Iran, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Why Nigeria is emerging as Washington’s key West African partner

DW: With no permanent U.S. military bases in Niger, why has Nigeria become America’s preferred partner in West Africa?

During his presidency, Donald Trump framed U.S. intervention in northern Nigeria as protection for Christian communities allegedly targeted by Islamist militants. While airstrikes were conducted with Nigerian approval, analysts widely agree that resource access—particularly oil—was the driving force behind Washington’s engagement. This same security-and-economic calculus now shapes U.S. actions across the Sahel, likely leading to new military basing arrangements in the region. Reports indicate that U.S. forces previously stationed in Niger have relocated to Benin and Côte d’Ivoire.

Potential benefits for AES countries in engaging with Trump’s America

DW: What advantages could the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—gain from cooperating with the Trump administration?

The U.S. offers AES nations an opportunity to negotiate on equal footing, contrasting with the European Union’s punitive approach that has isolated these countries. This strategic flexibility empowers African nations amid growing competition between Western powers and the BRICS bloc. While Washington emphasizes respect for AES sovereignty—a message likely to resonate regionally—underlying geopolitical maneuvering involving France, the U.S., and others suggests potential regime-change ambitions in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

Only time will reveal whether this represents a genuine shift in U.S. policy or another layer of strategic ambiguity in the Sahel.

• Key U.S. priorities in the Sahel: mineral trade, reduced military presence with enhanced security partnerships, and targeted economic cooperation
• Strategic reallocation: U.S. forces from Niger reportedly redeployed to Benin and Côte d’Ivoire
• AES engagement opportunity: Washington presents itself as a counterbalance to EU isolation, emphasizing sovereignty and negotiation