The United States has reportedly asked Mali to end its security partnership with Russia as a condition for renewed American cooperation in the fight against jihadist groups in the Sahel.
According to diplomats familiar with discussions in Bamako, Washington offered expanded security support but tied it to two key conditions: severing ties with Russia’s Africa Corps and restoring constitutional civilian rule.
Malian officials did not outright reject the proposal. Instead, they redirected the conversation toward the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), the regional bloc formed by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
By invoking the AES framework, Mali signalled that future security decisions would not be made unilaterally. The move positions the country within a collective regional strategy rather than as a standalone actor negotiating directly with global powers.
The AES was created following strained relations between its member states and Western partners, particularly after military-led governments took power in the three countries. The bloc has increasingly emphasised sovereignty, security autonomy and reduced dependence on traditional Western allies.
Mali’s pivot to regional alignment complicates Washington’s strategy, which has historically focused on bilateral security arrangements in the Sahel.
The geopolitical stakes remain high. The Sahel region faces persistent insurgencies linked to jihadist groups, while also holding significant reserves of gold and uranium.
Russia has expanded its presence in parts of West Africa in recent years through military cooperation and security support agreements. For the United States, limiting Moscow’s influence in resource-rich and strategically sensitive regions remains a priority.
The latest development underscores a shifting diplomatic landscape in West Africa, where regional blocs such as the AES are seeking greater leverage in negotiations with global powers.
Whether Washington adapts to bloc-level engagement or continues pressing individual states may shape the next phase of security dynamics in the Sahel.
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