Following the September 11 attacks, the United States deployed troops and military aid to West Africa to assist French forces in combating Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations. Despite years of effort and millions of dollars spent, the regional counterterrorism initiative has largely failed, with Al Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates gaining ground and military coups toppling civilian-led governments in Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Niger. As the U.S. withdraws troops from Niger and closes a major air base, officials are now working with new countries in coastal West Africa to address the growing extremist insurgency in the region.
The U.S. military has had some success in training local counterterrorism forces, but some of these forces have been involved in recent military takeovers. U.S. officials are now reevaluating their approach to combatting the insurgency, focusing on initiatives that include security, governance, and development rather than maintaining large bases and a permanent military presence. However, this holistic approach has faced challenges in the past and may face hurdles moving forward.
As U.S. officials grapple with setbacks and adjust their strategy, they are also monitoring the growing influence of China and Russia in the region, creating a new dynamic of global competition. Despite efforts to address local grievances that fuel the insurgency, the U.S. faces challenges in developing a coherent and effective strategy in the face of ongoing crises and the expansion of terrorist groups in the region.