The United States is now pivoting its counter-terrorism strategies to West Africa after pulling out from Niger and Chad.
At a Glance
- Africa has seen significant political unrest and violent extremism since 2020.
- The Sahel and West Africa have experienced a wave of coups and authoritarianism.
- Africa has become a battleground for geopolitical competition among China, Russia, and the U.S.
- The U.S. aims to empower local governance and improve security to counter extremist proliferation.
U.S. Counter-Terrorism Shift
The United States has officially redirected its counter-terrorism efforts towards West Africa following a strategic withdrawal of its military assets from Niger and Chad. Recognizing the growing threat of extremist activities in the region, this policy shift underscores a commitment to curb terrorist operations and bolster regional stability through enhanced alliances with local administrations.
The focus on West Africa comes at a crucial time, as the Sahel and surrounding regions have seen a disturbing rise in violent extremism and political instability. U.S. authorities along with international partners aim to dismantle terrorist infrastructures by implementing integrated approaches combining military, diplomatic, and developmental resources.
The United States is striving to create conditions that will de-radicalize the territories and stabilize local governance. This effort is seen as pivotal to preventing the spread of extremism and ensuring that democratic values and security take root in these vulnerable regions.
Political and Security Landscape
Since 2020, Africa has faced significant political turbulence. A wave of coups has swept through the Sahel and West African nations, leading to the establishment of several authoritarian regimes. These dynamics have complicated U.S. efforts to promote democracy while countering violent extremism and addressing geopolitical competition, primarily from China and Russia.
The lack of a coherent U.S. strategy to sustain democracy without undermining security interests and geopolitical influence has been a point of concern. Democratic backsliding and the rise in autocratic regimes could have long-lasting geopolitical and security implications.
Violent extremism and Islamist terrorism have exacerbated the already poor security situation, further fueling the region’s political instability. Insurgent attacks are on the rise, worsened by political upheavals. As António Guterres, U.N. Secretary-General, highlighted, Africa is undergoing an “epidemic of coups.”
Addressing the Challenge
Despite these challenges, democratic values retain strong support across the African public, even though this support has weakened over time. The U.S. can take proactive measures to reinvigorate democracy in Africa by focusing on development, diplomacy, and enhanced cooperation with allies, reducing the influence of China and Russia.
Bola Tinubu, Nigerian President, termed the phenomenon as an “autocratic contagion,” stressing the need for concerted efforts to reverse this trend.
There is a pressing need for the U.S. and its allies to develop a coherent strategy that prioritizes the promotion of democracy, bolsters economic development, and addresses security concerns without sacrificing geopolitical interests. Past experience, including lessons from the Cold War, underscores the importance of fostering human freedom and economic prosperity to stabilize regions facing turmoil.
As the strategy evolves, the United States aims to create a global balance of power favoring human freedom, defending against modern terrorist threats, and building on shared interests with other great powers.
