US maintains security ties with Sahel military alliance despite tensions

Despite years of strained relations, the United States continues to engage in security cooperation with military authorities in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger—nations now governed by juntas that came to power through coups. This commitment was confirmed by General John Brennan, Deputy Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM).

“We still collaborate. In fact, we’ve shared intelligence with some of them to help eliminate key terrorist targets. The landscape today is markedly different from just two or three years ago,” Brennan noted.

“Our goal is to work with them to address their concerns about our intentions, but competing actors are actively spreading misinformation and disinformation about our role in the region. We’re working to counter that narrative.”

Analysts suggest Washington’s pragmatic approach stems from its counterterrorism priorities, though it raises questions about the consistency of US policy toward regimes that emerged from military takeovers.

Beyond counterterrorism: US interests in the Sahel

According to Abdoulmoumouni Abbas, a researcher focused on radicalization and violent extremism in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, American interests in the region extend far beyond terrorism.

“The US has significant strategic interests in the Sahel. Its presence in locations like Agadez was initially driven by the need to combat drug trafficking, transnational crime, terrorism and migration challenges—all of which continue to grow, particularly organized transnational crime,” Abbas explained.

In recent months, the US military has increased its supply of equipment and intelligence sharing with Nigeria as part of efforts to track Islamic State-affiliated jihadists.

However, General Brennan emphasized that Washington is not seeking to replace its military bases in Niger, following the forced withdrawal of US troops by the country’s military leadership—a move intended to reassure regional public opinion.