The Geopolitics of Sahelian Scrambles
THE ACTORS: Who is involved in this story? United States Africa Command (AFRICOM): The primary military command responsible for US operations across Africa. Established in 2007, it consolidates military activities previously managed by other regional commands. Wagner Group (now Africa Corps): A Russian state-affiliated mercenary organization active in several African nations, notably engaging in
security services for governments facing internal insurrections. Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso: Three Sahelian nations experiencing military coups and increasing dissatisfaction with former colonial powers (France) and Western military presence. ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States): A regional political and economic union active in mediating crises, whose influence is increasingly
challenged by the military juntas. THE FUNDING: Where does their money come from? United States: Annually appropriates significant sums for AFRICOM operations, security assistance, and development aid in Africa. For instance, security assistance to Africa often exceeds $200 million annually, with specific allocations for partners in the Sahel region (DoD Budget, various years). Russia (Africa
Corps): Funding is opaque, drawn from a mix of state budgets, resource extraction deals (e.g., gold and diamond concessions in Mali and CAR), and private financing linked to Russian oligarchs and state enterprises. Their engagement often involves payment in resource access rather than direct monetary transfers. THE INCENTIVES: What do they gain from this narrative? United States: Aims to maintain