Trump courts Sahel juntas with military aid in exchange for mineral rights

Under Donald Trump, America is offering military backing to West African juntas in return for access to gold, lithium and uranium, reports France 24. The shift replaces Joe Biden’s freeze on aid after the coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger between 2020 and 2023.

US envoys have proposed intelligence, equipment and even targeted strikes against jihadist leaders in return for mining rights. Malian officials hailed a “convergence of viewpoints,” while analysts say the approach is designed to counter China and Russia, which have expanded their influence through mercenaries and investment. Moscow, via Wagner’s successor Africa Corps, already has a foothold in the region.

Critics argue the pivot sidelines democracy promotion and risks entrenching authoritarian rule. Trump’s envoys counter that stability is a prerequisite for US firms to invest, framing the policy as a pragmatic extension of his transactional diplomacy.