West Africa: U.S. Minerals Diplomacy Tests Sahel Countries' Partnership Choices

AllAfrica

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The United States is doubling down on its "security-for-minerals" strategy in West Africa, aiming to strengthen ties with Sahel countries like Mali and Niger while securing access to critical minerals essential for energy transition and defense technologies. This approach comes as Washington seeks to counterbalance Chinese dominance over global refining capacity, which currently controls nearly 70% of the market. The U.S. has launched initiatives like Project Vault, a strategic reserve program, and hosted high-level ministerial meetings with 54 countries, including those in the Sahel region. Mali and Niger, rich in lithium, cobalt, rare earths, and uranium, are seen as pivotal to this strategy. The U.S. diplomatic push includes conciliatory overtures to countries like Mali and Niger, marked by visits from senior officials such as Nick Checker of the State Department. These efforts aim to reset bilateral relations after past missteps and align with a broader shift in American foreign policy. While the U.S. has maintained a measured response to regional coups compared to its European allies, its renewed focus on the Sahel reflects strategic interests tied to critical minerals rather than a fundamental change in policy. The Sahel region is emerging as a key node for mineral extraction, with Mali projected to become Africa's second-largest lithium producer and Niger holding significant uranium reserves. This has positioned the U.S. alongside Russia and China as major powers vying for influence in the region. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, is leveraging its resource-rich status to strengthen diplomatic leverage with international partners. However, questions remain about whether this "security-for-minerals" approach can deliver tangible benefits beyond superficial diplomatic engagement. While the U.S. has invested heavily in security assistance over two decades, including $3.3 billion since 2002, its efforts have largely failed to contain jihadist groups or stabilize the region. This raises concerns that a reliance on military solutions may not yield lasting results, especially as other powers like Russia and France continue to exert influence.

Verticals

worldafrica

Originally published on AllAfrica on 2/25/2026