The United States is renewing its focus on the Sahel as Donald Trump’s administration seeks to strengthen ties with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Since his return to Washington, the former president has pushed for a shift in US Africa policy, with a series of recent delegations dispatched to Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niamey to discuss potential cooperation.
Central to these discussions is a proposed exchange: natural resources for military support. According to Deutsche Welle, Washington is considering supplying weapons, equipment, and potentially deploying American security companies to bolster local forces combating terrorism.
This approach would bypass certain parliamentary constraints while advancing US strategic interests in the region.
In return, the Trump administration aims to secure privileged access to uranium, gold, and other critical minerals essential to the technology industry. For Sahelian governments, the promise of enhanced military assistance presents a compelling incentive, though it could reshape their existing international partnerships.
Beyond security, US proposals also include infrastructure development in transport and energy, alongside potential preferential trade agreements designed to attract private investors. Analysts suggest this move is part of a broader attempt to counterbalance the diminishing influence of other Western powers in the region.
The AES, formed in 2023, has already forged strong ties with Russia, receiving military advisors, arms, and training support. In April 2025, its foreign ministers held consultations in Moscow, resulting in agreements spanning security, nuclear energy, and higher education.
China and Turkey have also expanded their footprint, funding major infrastructure projects and deepening economic relations.
Washington’s renewed interest adds another layer to this complex geopolitical landscape.
While Bamako, Niamey, and Ouagadougou may seek to capitalise on this competition, they face the challenge of balancing existing commitments with emerging opportunities.
Whether Trump’s initiatives will translate into concrete agreements or remain in negotiation phases remains uncertain. The coming months will reveal if the Sahelian authorities will embrace the American offer amid their already deepening ties with Russia and other partners.
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