Sahel: U.S. Shifts Strategy, Engages Military Juntas

By Staff – August 25, 2025

After years of partially suspending development aid and military cooperation, the United States is recalibrating its approach in the Sahel. Between 2020 and 2023, successive coups placed military leaders at the helm of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, prompting Washington to freeze certain funding.

Under the Trump administration, U.S. policy in Africa now emphasizes commerce and strategic minerals, with particular interest in gold, lithium, and uranium. The region’s military governments, organized under the Alliance of Sahel States, have welcomed the shift, despite maintaining sovereign control over mineral resources.

Diplomatic Visits and Economic Promises

In recent weeks, several senior U.S. officials visited Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niamey. In early July, Rudolph Atallah, Deputy Director for Counterterrorism at the White House, traveled to Mali to propose American solutions against terrorism. Days later, William B. Stevens, Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa, discussed private U.S. investment opportunities, alongside counterterrorism efforts.

Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop stated:

“We must focus on investment and the potential of our countries.”

Strategic Resources Drive Negotiations

Mali ranks among Africa’s top producers of gold and lithium, essential for electric vehicle batteries. Niger holds significant uranium reserves, while Burkina Faso is rich in gold. These resources are central to negotiations, with Washington offering targeted military support in return for access.

Ulf Laessing, Director of the Sahel Program at the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation, explained:

“In exchange for American companies’ access to resources, the U.S. proposes neutralizing the leaders of jihadist groups.”

Engagement with Moscow and Geopolitical Implications

Having distanced themselves from France, the former colonial power, Sahelian juntas have turned to Russia and its private security firm Wagner—now rebranded Africa Corps—for counterterrorism assistance. Moscow also plans to exploit Niger’s uranium, shortly after the junta nationalized a subsidiary of the French uranium company Orano.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Niger, Bisa Williams, noted:

“Trump has no issue supporting Russia’s efforts in the region. The Russians are less concerned about democratic values, which aligns with his administration’s approach.”

A New Form of Military Cooperation

In exchange for mineral access, Washington may permit limited deployment of American mercenaries, following the Russian model, without requiring Congressional oversight. The goal is to combine economic interests with regional security, while navigating domestic political constraints.