The U.S. strategy of curbing Russian influence in volatile parts of Africa looks to be failing as countries across the Sahel turn to Russia.
The Sahel
The U.S. is now looking for alternatives to its lost drone bases in Niger, but replacement options in the region are thin.
The Nigerien junta could use the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project as leverage against the EU, strengthening Russian influence.
Great power competition in the Sahel is driven by natural resources, strategic location, economic interests, and defense cooperation.