Sahel Region Faces 'Cold War' Amid Counter-Terrorism Efforts, Experts Say

The Sahel region of Africa is experiencing a complex geopolitical situation, with experts describing it as a 'Cold War' unfolding alongside ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. The United States military has been conducting critical operations and training local forces in countries like Niger and Chad, but recent developments have put the future of this presence in question.

Niger's ruling junta has ended an agreement that allowed U.S. troops to operate in the country, while the government of Chad has also requested that American forces leave. These moves have prompted concerns that U.S. influence in the region is losing ground to overtures from Russia and China. "This has raised apprehensions that U.S. sway in Africa is ceding territory to propositions from Russia and China, as the countries vie to position themselves as the 'partner of choice,'" according to expert analysis.

The U.S. is working to negotiate new agreements with Niger and Chad, but if they are unable to reach an understanding, the military will have to recalculate and find alternative ways to conduct counterterrorism missions across the Sahel. The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Niger will mark the end of a significant footprint in the country's desert uplands.

Meanwhile, Russia has deployed a detachment of military trainers to Niger, and China has made a $400 million advance payment to the cash-strapped Nigerien government for crude oil purchases. This geopolitical intrigue has led to the expansion of Russian and Iranian influence in the Sahel, further complicating Western counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

Why this matters: The Sahel region has become the epicenter of global terrorism, with over half of all deaths from terrorism occurring there. The shifting geopolitical dynamics and competition for influence among global powers have significant implications for security and stability in the region.

African leaders recently gathered in Nigeria to tackle the escalating challenges posed by terrorism across the continent, with the Sahel and Somalia identified as epicenters of violence. Discussions at the summit included proposals for establishing a standby military force, enhancing peacekeeping efforts, curbing the proliferation of small arms, and establishing a regional counterterrorism center to facilitate information sharing and operational coordination. As the U.S. navigates the complex situation in the Sahel, finding ways to maintain its counter-terrorism capabilities and partnerships will be crucial in the face of growing competition from Russia and China.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. military presence in Sahel region faces uncertainty as Niger, Chad seek troop withdrawal.
• Russia and China expanding influence in Sahel, challenging U.S. counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
• Sahel has become epicenter of global terrorism, with over half of terrorism deaths occurring there.
• African leaders convene to tackle escalating terrorism threat, proposing regional military force and counterterrorism center.
• U.S. must find ways to maintain counter-terrorism capabilities and partnerships in Sahel amid growing competition.