US pivots to trade and security in the Sahel

This week’s visit by Nick Checker, head of the US State Department’s African Affairs Bureau, to Mali signals Washington’s return to the Sahel. However, the approach has shifted significantly under a new strategic framework built on three pillars: a trade-centric diplomacy—particularly in minerals—a renewed security focus with reduced permanent military presence, and a pivot from broad humanitarian aid toward targeted economic and security partnerships.

Expert analysis: Dr. Gnaka Lagoke on US priorities in West Africa

Changing dynamics under the Trump administration

DW: Dr. Gnaka Lagoke, Nick Checker met with Mali’s foreign minister and transitional leader Assimi Goïta during his visit to Bamako. How has US policy in the Sahel evolved under the Trump administration, and what are its broader goals in West Africa?

When President Bazoum was ousted in Niger, it became clear that while France was prepared to intervene militarily to restore him, the United States adopted a different stance. They chose observation over direct engagement. Later, when Niger’s new authorities requested the closure of US military bases and withdrawal, America did not escalate into a confrontational policy—this was already evident under Biden.

Today, amid intensifying global competition between the US, Russia, and China, Washington is prioritizing both security and economic leverage in regions rich in strategic resources. The Sahel is no exception—it holds valuable minerals critical to American supply chains, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Venezuela and Iran.

Why Nigeria emerges as a key US partner

DW: With no permanent US military bases in Niger, why is Nigeria now the preferred partner in West Africa?

During the Trump era, the administration framed its actions in the region as a response to the alleged persecution of Christians by Islamist militants in Nigeria. After receiving approval from Nigerian authorities, the US conducted airstrikes in the north. However, experts agree that airstrikes alone cannot dismantle militant networks. The deeper motivation likely involves access to Nigeria’s vast natural resources—particularly oil and other strategic minerals.

This dual focus on security and economic interests explains the current US strategy in the Sahel. It may also lead to the establishment of new military bases in countries like Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, where previous Niger-based operations have relocated.

What the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) gains from cooperation with the US

DW: What benefits can the AES countries expect from engaging with the Trump administration?

The US offers a diplomatic alternative to the isolation imposed by France and the European Union on AES members. This creates a strategic opportunity for negotiation and dialogue. Additionally, in a geopolitical climate marked by rising tensions between Western powers and BRICS nations, the US provides African countries with greater room to maneuver and negotiate.

The US has emphasized its respect for the sovereignty of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—a message likely to resonate in the region. However, credible reports suggest the existence of covert networks involving France, the US, and others aiming to influence political transitions in these countries. Whether this reflects a strategy of double-dealing remains to be seen.