The United States has quietly maintained limited communication with the militaries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) composed of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, despite the formal cessation of broader security cooperation following recent political upheavals across the region.
The AES, formed in 2023, reflects the three nations’ push for security autonomy after successive coups disrupted traditional regional and international partnerships. While official U.S. programs, such as the Trans-Saharan Counterterrorism Partnership, have been scaled back, Washington continues to share targeted intelligence to confront specific threats from jihadist groups, including JNIM and ISGS, whose operations continue to destabilize the Sahel.
“Maintaining these narrow channels allows us to address urgent counterterrorism concerns without formal, broader military agreements,” said a U.S. official familiar with the discussions.
A New Regional Security Architecture
In response to the evolving threat environment and the breakdown of traditional cooperation frameworks, AES member states inaugurated a 5,000-strong joint military force in late 2025, tasked with coordinating cross-border counter-insurgency operations. This represents a clear attempt by the alliance to assert control over security in the Sahel while reducing reliance on foreign partners.
Despite these initiatives, experts warn that the Sahel remains highly vulnerable. Violent extremist activity continues to surge in border regions, and humanitarian pressures are intensifying, particularly in Mali and Burkina Faso. Analysts highlight the delicate balance that Washington must strike , engaging enough to monitor and counter extremist groups while respecting the political realities imposed by AES leaders.
Geopolitical Complexity
The region has become a focus of competing global influence. Russia and Turkey have expanded support to AES countries, supplying military equipment and diplomatic backing. This multipolar dynamic adds further complexity to U.S. efforts to navigate security cooperation and counter-terrorism in the Sahel.
Analysts argue that the AES’s push for regional defense autonomy, combined with foreign engagement, underscores the fragmented and fluid nature of security diplomacy in West Africa. While the U.S. limits its engagement to intelligence and tactical collaboration, the overall picture remains one of strategic uncertainty and evolving alliances.
Looking Ahead
As the Sahel faces persistent insurgent threats and shifting alliances, U.S. policymakers are likely to continue this cautious, pragmatic approach, focusing on actionable intelligence and counter-terrorism efforts rather than broad strategic partnerships. For AES members, the challenge will be consolidating their new military architecture while managing internal political pressures and international expectations.
The situation highlights a stark reality: security in the Sahel is no longer just a regional concern; it is a complex, multipolar challenge with implications for global counter-terrorism strategy.
