Russia’s Role in African Sahel Coups: A Closer Look at U.S. Involvement
A recent analysis by the Pentagon’s top Africa researcher has pointed fingers at Russia for the coups in the African Sahel region. However, this analysis fails to acknowledge the significant role the United States has played in training leaders of these mutinies and the consequences of two decades of ineffective U.S. counterterrorism policies in the area.
The article, titled “Standing Up to Africa’s Juntas,” highlights the rise of military coups across the Sahel, which have led to a decline in Western engagement in the region. Authors Jeffrey Smith and Joseph Siegle point out Russia’s involvement in coups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, attributing them to disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing democratically elected governments.
A closer look reveals that at least 15 military officers who received U.S. security assistance have been implicated in 12 coups in West Africa and the greater Sahel region during the war on terror. Reports by The Intercept shed light on the involvement of U.S.-supported officers in coups across several African countries, raising questions about the effectiveness of U.S. training programs.
Despite the State Department’s efforts to track data on U.S. trainees involved in coups, there seems to be a lack of transparency and accountability within the Pentagon. The failure to provide timely briefings on coups carried out by U.S.-trained African partners raises concerns about the oversight of U.S. military assistance programs in the region.
Recent events have forced the U.S. to withdraw its troops from Niger and Chad due to strained relations with former allies who now lead these countries following coups. The justification provided by these juntas for seizing power under the guise of restoring security has not yielded positive outcomes, as episodes of violence linked to militant Islamist groups have doubled since their rise to power.
The report fails to address the billions in security assistance pumped into the Sahel by the U.S. government or the military training provided to coup leaders. The escalation of terrorist violence in the region over the years, coinciding with increased U.S. involvement, raises questions about the efficacy of U.S. counterterrorism efforts.
Data from conflict monitoring organizations show a significant spike in violent events and fatalities linked to Islamist violence in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, underscoring the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel. The lack of correlation between U.S. training and coup activities, as claimed by Gen. Michael Langley, raises doubts about the effectiveness of U.S. military support programs.
While Russia’s alleged role in African coups is concerning, it is essential to acknowledge and address the shortcomings of U.S. policies and interventions in the region. The rise in terrorism across the Sahel cannot be solely attributed to external actors, highlighting the need for a comprehensive reassessment of U.S. strategies in combating extremism and promoting stability in Africa.
In conclusion, a critical examination of Russia’s involvement in African coups must be accompanied by a thorough review of U.S. contributions to the region’s security challenges. By holding accountable those responsible for destabilizing democratically elected governments and exacerbating violence, we can work towards a more secure and stable future for the people of the Sahel.