The US has declared a stark policy shift towards three West African countries which are battling Islamist insurgents and whose military governments have broken defense ties with France and turned towards Russia. The state department announced that Nick Checker, head of its Bureau of African Affairs, would visit Mali's capital Bamako to convey the United States' 'respect for Mali's sovereignty' and chart a 'new course' in relations, moving 'past policy missteps'. The US also looks forward to cooperating with Mali's allies, neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, on shared security and economic interests. Absent from the agenda is the longstanding American concern for democracy and human rights, as military cooperation had halted after coups deposed the elected civilian presidents of these countries. This marks a radical change in US policy and reflects a growing necessity for strategic partnerships in a region plagued by terrorism.
US Shifts Policy Toward West African Juntas Exploring Russian Support
US Shifts Policy Toward West African Juntas Exploring Russian Support
The Biden administration's new engagement strategy aims to foster relations with the military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, who have turned to Russia for support amid ongoing conflicts with Islamist groups.
The US is changing its approach towards Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, whose military regimes have turned away from France towards Russia for security assistance. A high-level visit from Nick Checker, head of African Affairs, signals a willingness to respect the sovereignty of these nations. This policy shift comes after former military support and cooperation were halted due to coups in the region. The US states the need for cooperation on shared security interests, while the rejuvenated ties seek to counteract Russia's influence.
