Is The US Getting Kicked Out Of #Africa? #Niger #Sahel

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Understanding the US Presence in Africa

1. Introduction to US Policy in Africa

   • The US has been involved in Africa with little notice, especially after the intervention in Libya in 2011.
   • The intervention in Libya led to a chain reaction of collapsing governments and the rise of Jihadi militias in the region.

2. Successes and Failures in Mali

   • Initially, there were some successes in Mali after the Libyan intervention, where jihadist militants were pushed back in 2012 with the support of France and the US.
   • However, this success was short-lived, and it was one of the last successful counter-terror operations in Africa by the French and US forces.

3. US Support and Military Presence

   • The US has been involved in battling militants and training other militaries in Africa.
   • Significant investments were made in building a drone base in Niger, which was considered a stronghold against terrorism in Africa.

4. Recent Developments and US Withdrawal

   • Due to a meeting with African representatives, the US has been asked to leave its counter-terror efforts in the Sahel region.
   • This includes abandoning the drone base in Niger, indicating a shift in US policy in the region.

5. Implications of US Withdrawal

   • The departure of the US may not lead directly to peace in the region, as countries in the Sahel are facing deep-rooted issues.
   • There is a concern about the involvement of mercenaries and Russian representatives in the region, which could lead to further instability and war crimes.

6. Formation of Sahel Confederation

   • Three countries, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, have formed a Sahel Confederation to assert their independence and resist external interventions.
   • This move aims to bring stability and normalcy to the region, potentially reducing the risk of broader conflicts.

7. Russian Influence in the Sahel

   • While Russian influence is present in the Sahel countries, it is seen as more pro-independence compared to historical colonial powers like France and the US.
   • The Russian involvement may not be as extensive or intrusive as previous Western interventions, potentially offering a different approach to security in the region.

8. Conclusion and Future Outlook

   • The situation in the Sahel remains complex, with various geopolitical interests at play.
   • The US withdrawal and the formation of the Sahel Confederation could reshape the dynamics in the region, leading to new alliances and challenges.

By following these steps, you can gain a better understanding of the US presence in Africa and the evolving dynamics in the Sahel region.