Us security cooperation with Sahel alliance countries persists despite tensions

The United States continues to engage in security collaboration with the military-led governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—nations that emerged from recent coups. This ongoing cooperation was confirmed by General John Brennan, Deputy Commander of Africom.

“We are still collaborating. In fact, we have shared intelligence with some of these governments to target high-value terrorist cells, though the landscape has shifted dramatically compared to just two or three years ago,” Brennan stated.

“Our goal is to demonstrate our commitment to supporting them, but competing actors are actively spreading misinformation and distorting our intentions. We’re working to counter that narrative,” he added.

Experts note that Washington’s pragmatic approach stems from counterterrorism priorities, yet it raises questions about the consistency of U.S. policy toward regimes born from military takeovers.

Strategic interests beyond terrorism

According to Abdoulmoumouni Abbas, a researcher specializing in radicalization and violent extremism in the Sahel and Lake Chad region, American interests in these countries extend far beyond combating terrorism.

“The U.S. has substantial stakes in the region, which explains why it once maintained a presence in Agadez—addressing drug trafficking, transnational crime, terrorism, and migration challenges. These issues, particularly organized transnational crime, are escalating,” Abbas explained.

In recent months, the U.S. military has intensified arms deliveries and intelligence-sharing with Nigeria as part of efforts to dismantle Islamic State-affiliated jihadists.

However, General Brennan clarified that Washington has no intention of replacing its Niger bases after the country’s military authorities demanded the withdrawal of American troops—a move aimed at reassuring regional public opinion.