Ongoing security collaboration between Washington and the AES

Despite the recent political shifts in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the United States is maintaining its security partnerships with these nations. General John Brennan, the deputy commander of Africom, confirmed that the United States is still engaging with the military authorities currently in power following recent coups.

“We are still working together. We have even provided intelligence to some of these partners to help them target major terrorist figures, though the environment is clearly different than it was just a few years back,” John Brennan explained.

He further noted that the United States is striving to reassure these governments of its genuine desire to assist, particularly as other global competitors attempt to influence them with false narratives and disinformation regarding American motives. Washington is actively trying to counter these influence networks.

Experts suggest this “pragmatic” stance by Washington is driven by the necessity of counter-terrorism efforts. However, it also sparks debate regarding the consistency of American foreign policy when dealing with military-led regimes.

Strategic interests in the Sahel region

According to Abdoulmoumouni Abbas, a researcher specializing in radicalization prevention in the Sahel and Lake Chad, American involvement in these three Sahel nations goes beyond just fighting terrorism.

“The United States has significant regional interests. Their presence in Agadez, for instance, was motivated by the need to address drug trafficking, organized cross-border crime, terrorism, and migration issues—all of which are escalating challenges,” Abdoulmoumouni Abbas explained.

In recent months, the United States military has been increasing its supply of equipment and intelligence sharing with Nigeria as part of a broader mission to track Islamic State insurgents.

At the same time, the deputy head of Africom clarified that Washington is not attempting to establish new bases in the region to replace those in Niger, following the military authorities’ decision to expel American troops. This statement appears intended to calm local public sentiment.