Can Regional and Foreign Alliances Halt Terrorism in West Africa?

January 2, 2025

The escalating threat of terrorism in West Africa has become a pressing concern for both regional and international stakeholders. The region has witnessed a significant increase in terrorist activities and fatalities since 2019, despite the presence of foreign military partners. This surge in violence has posed a daunting challenge for local governments and their allies, who must now grapple with sophisticated terrorist networks that exploit regional instabilities and geopolitical shifts. As terrorist groups expand their reach, the need for a cohesive and unified counter-terrorism strategy among West African nations and foreign allies is more critical than ever.

The United States, after 11 years of military cooperation with Niger, withdrew its forces following a fallout with the Nigerien government. This breakdown occurred after Niger’s military junta seized power in July 2023 and subsequently turned to Russia for support. The US now faces the challenge of finding a new base in West Africa to continue its counter-terrorism operations. Côte d’Ivoire and Benin have emerged as potential candidates for hosting US forces, but both present significant logistical hurdles. Chad, a former ally, would have been an ideal choice; however, it too expelled US special forces in April 2024 ahead of its presidential election. These geopolitical shifts complicate US efforts to maintain a stable presence in the region.

The Geopolitical Landscape of West Africa

Navigating the current geopolitical landscape of West Africa involves understanding the complex and ever-changing dynamics that influence regional stability. The United States interacted with Niger for over a decade, providing significant military support aimed at curbing terrorist activities in the region. However, the political upheaval in Niger, marked by a military junta seizing power in 2023, spurred a realignment of regional alliances. With the Nigerien government turning to Russia for support, the US found itself compelled to withdraw its forces, necessitating the search for new strategic bases within the region.

Côte d’Ivoire and Benin have been considered for this role but pose substantial logistical challenges, including geographical constraints and the ability to provide the necessary security infrastructure. Chad, previously a dependable ally, expelled US forces ahead of its 2024 presidential elections, further complicating the picture. The shifting alliances and political instability underscore the urgent need for the United States to reassess its approach in fostering alliances and enhancing its counter-terrorism footprint in West Africa.

The influence of external powers, particularly Russia, has added another layer of complexity to the geopolitical environment in West Africa. Russia’s increasing involvement has altered the dynamics of regional power and impacted collaborative efforts among West African countries and their international partners. America’s need to redefine its military presence and adapt to these new realities will be critical in effectively supporting counter-terrorism operations and stabilizing the Sahel.

The Importance of Regional Collaboration

Regional collaboration stands as the cornerstone for an effective fight against the proliferation of terrorism in West Africa. The military regimes in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have endeavored to forge alliances aimed at countering terrorist threats and fostering economic development. However, the effectiveness of such collaborations remains hampered by the absence of a well-coordinated counter-terrorism strategy that can adapt to the fluid and dynamic nature of terrorist activities. The UN’s special representative, Leonardo Simão, has underscored the importance of a collective response, warning that the threats posed by terrorism to West Africa are widespread and persistent.

Despite efforts to build regional alliances, the surge in terrorist activities since 2019 illustrates that foreign military presence, while significant, is not sufficient on its own. Initiatives such as the Multinational Joint Task Force, established to bolster regional security through concerted military action, have been operational but need further strengthening. Equally, the Accra Initiative, though yet to be fully implemented, is envisioned to enhance collaborative efforts against terrorism. These regional platforms present the most promising opportunities for formulating and executing effective counter-terrorism strategies in West Africa and the Sahel.

The shared goal of combating terrorism requires enhanced cooperation and a unified approach among West African nations. This necessitates overcoming political differences and committing to joint operations and intelligence sharing. The ability to synchronize military strategies and align economic development plans with counter-terrorism efforts will be pivotal in curbing the spread of terrorism. An integrated framework that emphasizes regional solidarity and proactive engagement from international partners will be vital in mitigating the threats and establishing lasting peace in West Africa.

Challenges Faced by Foreign Military Operations

Foreign military operations in the volatile terrain of West Africa face a multitude of obstacles that complicate the execution of effective counter-terrorism strategies. One significant challenge lies in the geographical distance of candidate host countries like Côte d’Ivoire and Benin, which are far removed from the primary hotbeds of terrorist activity in the Sahel. This geographical separation presents formidable logistical complications, including the transportation of troops and equipment, as well as the establishment of supply lines essential for sustained military operations.

Additionally, reconnaissance and surveillance missions are further hindered by the need to fly drones over territories that are now controlled by governments hostile to the US, such as Mali and Niger. The hostile airspaces significantly increase operational risks and limit the US’s ability to gather crucial intelligence. Compounding these issues are the broader geopolitical dynamics, including the Russian influence in the region and Ukraine’s support for Tuareg forces, which have added layers of complexity to the strategic environment in West Africa.

Despite these challenges, the United States continues to seek strategic partnerships across West Africa. In early 2024, General Michael Langley, commander of AFRICOM, embarked on diplomatic missions to several countries, including Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin, with the intention of reinforcing bilateral relationships and providing financial support for counter-terrorism initiatives. However, these steps have been met with skepticism from local leaders who have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of past US operations in the Sahel, which they perceived as falling short in delivering meaningful results.

Overcoming these challenges requires a recalibration of foreign military strategies and an emphasis on building trust with host nations. Engaging local leadership in the planning and execution of operations, ensuring transparency, and addressing past shortcomings will be crucial in establishing a foothold in the region. The United States must pivot to a more inclusive and collaborative approach, one that respects the sovereignty of host nations while effectively aligning with mutual security goals.

The Role of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM)

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) occupies a pivotal position in the realm of counter-terrorism efforts across West Africa. As the central coordinating body for US military activities on the continent, AFRICOM’s mandate includes supporting regional allies in the fight against terrorism and fostering stability. However, the effectiveness of AFRICOM’s initiatives has often been questioned by local leaders, who have critiqued past operations in the Sahel as being only partially effective and at times counterproductive due to misaligned priorities and insufficient cultural understanding.

For AFRICOM to enhance its impact, a thorough review and overhaul of its diplomatic strategies are essential. This entails fostering greater transparency in its engagements and providing genuine support that aligns with the aspirations and needs of host countries. Chad, given its historical cooperation with the US and participation in multinational efforts, remains a particularly valuable partner. The recent decision to redeploy a limited number of US special forces to Chad is seen as a positive step toward rebuilding a sustainable presence in the region.

The future success of AFRICOM’s mission will depend on its ability to leverage these partnerships effectively and adapt its strategies to evolving regional dynamics. Developing a more nuanced understanding of local contexts and aligning military initiatives with broader developmental objectives will be key. By addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, political disenfranchisement, and social injustices, AFRICOM can foster a more comprehensive approach to security, thereby enhancing the long-term stability of West Africa.

Strengthening Regional Security Initiatives

The growing threat of terrorism in West Africa has become a major concern for regional and international stakeholders. Despite foreign military involvement, there has been a notable rise in terrorist activities and deaths since 2019. This increased violence has presented a significant challenge for local governments and their allies, who now face advanced terrorist networks exploiting regional instabilities and geopolitical changes. As these groups expand their influence, the need for a coordinated and unified counter-terrorism strategy among West African nations and foreign partners is more important than ever.

After 11 years of military cooperation with Niger, the United States withdrew its forces due to a fallout with the Nigerien government. This occurred after Niger’s military junta took control in July 2023 and sought support from Russia. The US must now find a new base in West Africa for its counter-terrorism operations. Côte d’Ivoire and Benin are potential candidates but pose significant logistical challenges. Chad, a former ally, would have been ideal, but it expelled US special forces in April 2024 ahead of its presidential election. These geopolitical shifts complicate US efforts to maintain a stable presence in the region.

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