Trump makes up with Sahel juntas, with eye on US interests

A New Era of Engagement Trump Makes Up with Sahel Juntas, with Eye on US I
Interests

Introduction
The United States under President Donald Trump has taken a significant shif
shift in foreign policy, re-engaging with military rulers in the Sahel regi
region and prioritizing security and mineral extraction over democracy prom
promotion. This departure from the Biden administration's emphasis on promo
promoting democratic values and human rights marks a notable change in appr
approach.

Context
The Sahel region has been plagued by Islamic State and Al-Qaeda extremist g
groups for over a decade, with limited success. France led a major offensiv
offensive known as Operation Barkhane but withdrew its last troops in 2025 
amid growing anti-French sentiment and Russian influence. The United States
States had suspended security assistance to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger a
after military takeovers from 2020 to 2023.

The Trump Administration's Approach
According to Nick Checker, the top official in the State Department's Afric
Africa bureau, the US needs to deal with the world as it is and cannot im
impose its will on creating democracies. He emphasized that engaging with t
these governments is not an endorsement of how they came to power.

Shift in Priorities
The Trump administration has shifted from promoting democracy and human rig
rights to focusing on security cooperation and mineral extraction. This new
new approach prioritizes burden-shifting to African states to fight jihad
jihadist groups, while keeping an eye on how the threat could evolve to hit
hit the United States.

Key Developments

Niger booted out some 1,000 US troops, along with French forces, followin
following a military takeover.
The United States removed sanctions on Mali's defense minister, Sadio Cam
Camara, who had been accused of working with the Wagner Group, a Kremlin-li
Kremlin-linked paramilitary organization.
* A UN report accused Mali's army and foreign fighters of killing at least 
500 people during an anti-jihadist operation in 2022.

Trust Deficit
The Sahel states have shown openness to resuming security cooperation with 
the United States, but there is a severe, understandable trust deficit th
that needs to be addressed. One key priority is rescuing American missionar
missionary Kevin Rideout, who was snatched in October and is believed to be
be held in Mali by the Islamic State's Sahel branch.

Openness to US Business
The countries have shown openness to US investment despite their vows to pr
protect sovereignty. US company Flagship Gold Corp. signed an agreement wit
with Mali in October to take over a gold mine in Morilla.

Long-Term Consequences
Democracy, including responsiveness to citizens, is essential for long-term
long-term stability and prosperity in the Sahel region. The United States' 
new emphasis on security cooperation and mineral extraction may have short-
short-term benefits but could ultimately undermine democratic values and hu
human rights.

Conclusion
In a rapidly changing global landscape, it is crucial that we decry the lac
lack of transparency and accountability in international relations. By enga
engaging with military rulers in the Sahel region, the United States risks 
perpetuating a cycle of instability and violence. It is essential to priori
prioritize democracy, human rights, and the well-being of citizens in these
these countries.

Call-to-Action
Join us in decrying the lack of transparency and accountability in internat
international relations. Let's work together to promote democratic values a
and human rights, ensuring that our foreign policy priorities align with ou
our values of freedom, equality, and justice for all.

Keywords Sahel region, Trump administration, military rulers, security coo
cooperation, mineral extraction, democracy promotion, human rights, account
accountability, transparency, international relations.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.