US reconsiders Sahel strategy: A shift away from France?

This potential shift has raised questions about the future of their partnership, as both nations navigate a complex geopolitical landscape.

For decades, Paris and Washington have closely coordinated their diplomatic and military efforts in Africa, sharing a commitment to counterterrorism and stabilizing fragile states.

This alliance, forged during the Cold War and strengthened after the September 11 attacks, saw the Sahel become a key front in the global war on terror.

The two Western powers have since launched numerous joint initiatives, sharing intelligence and logistical support to curb the rise of jihadist groups in the region.

A Subtle but Active American Diplomacy

Recent reports in the French press suggest that the United States may be charting a new course.

According to these revelations, high-level American envoys have been discreetly visiting several Sahelian capitals, led by John Bass, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, and Christophe Maier, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations.

These missions have sparked speculation about Washington’s intentions in the region.

These diplomatic moves, closely monitored by French intelligence, indicate a renewed American interest in countries where its presence had waned.

In Chad, U.S. envoys have re-established dialogue with President Mahamat Idriss Déby, paving the way for the return of a U.S. military contingent focused on counterterrorism.

In Niger, secret negotiations hint at the possible redeployment of American forces, which had withdrawn not long ago.

A Three-Way Chess Game

This American diplomatic push resembles a complex game of geopolitical chess.

On one hand, it aims to counter Russia’s growing influence, which has capitalized on the void left by France’s retreat in some countries.

Moscow’s Africa Corps, a paramilitary structure, has become a key player in several Sahelian states.

On the other hand, the U.S. approach appears to sideline France, challenging decades of French dominance in its traditional African sphere of influence.

For Paris, this represents another setback in a series of diplomatic and military challenges in the region.

Furthermore, Washington’s strategy may signal a broader redefinition of Western engagement in the Sahel.

By favoring a quieter, more targeted approach, the U.S. may be looking to avoid the pitfalls encountered by France, whose visible military presence, epitomized by Operation Barkhane, has sometimes fueled local resentment.

Toward a New Security Paradigm?

This evolving American stance could herald a shift in the security dynamics of the Sahel.

Where France has relied on a large and conspicuous military presence, the U.S. seems to be leaning towards a more nuanced strategy, emphasizing special operations and the enhancement of local capacities.

The American repositioning comes at a critical juncture for the Sahel.

Amid ongoing terrorist threats and a spate of coups, the region is searching for a new model of collective security.

In this context, the U.S. approach, if fully realized, could present an alternative to the French model, which some view as overly intrusive.

However, this potential pivot by Washington raises concerns about the coherence of Western actions in the region.

A significant divergence between French and American strategies could create gaps that might be exploited by terrorist groups or rival powers such as Russia and China.

The future of Franco-American relations in the Sahel remains uncertain. While the U.S. appears to be distancing itself from France’s policies in the region, it is unlikely to completely abandon its historic ally.

More likely, we will see a redefinition of roles and responsibilities as the Sahel continues to evolve in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.