The United States continues to engage in security cooperation with the military-led governments of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger – despite years of strained relations. This stance was confirmed by General John Brennan, Deputy Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM), in recent statements.

John Brennan emphasized that Washington remains actively involved, noting: “We are still collaborating. In fact, we have shared intelligence with some of these authorities to target key terrorist cells, though the situation has evolved significantly from just two or three years ago.”

He went on to highlight the challenges posed by competing narratives: “We are working to reassure them about our intentions to support them, but there are clearly other actors spreading misinformation and disinformation to undermine our efforts. We are actively countering these false narratives.”

Analysts suggest that this pragmatic approach stems from Washington’s priority to combat terrorism in the region, though it raises questions about the consistency of US policy toward governments that came to power through coups.

strategic interests beyond counterterrorism

According to Abdoulmoumouni Abbas, a researcher specializing in radicalization and violent extremism in the Sahel and Lake Chad region, America’s involvement in the Sahel extends far beyond security concerns. “The United States has significant interests in the area, which have at times justified its presence in Agadez – including combating drug trafficking, transnational crime, terrorism, and migration flows. These issues, particularly organized transnational crime, continue to escalate.”

In parallel, the US military has been increasing its deliveries of equipment and intelligence-sharing with Nigeria as part of a broader strategy to track Islamic State-affiliated jihadists.

However, General Brennan made it clear that Washington has no intention of replacing its military bases in Niger following the forced withdrawal of US troops by the junta. The statement appears aimed at easing regional concerns and maintaining stability.