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The Trump administration is increasing intelligence sharing with Mali’s military junta to combat Islamist extremists in West Africa. This move marks a departure from the Biden era, which emphasized democratic reforms in the country and sanctioned Malian officials for their ties to Russia’s Wagner Group. Under the Trump administration, US officials now prioritize security cooperation over political conditions, acknowledging Mali as an “imperfect partner” despite concerns over human rights abuses and potential intelligence leakage to Moscow. The pivot comes as extremist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State gain ground across the Sahel, threatening regional stability and economic infrastructure. While some analysts see engagement as necessary to address the urgent threat, others warn it could implicate the US in atrocities and disrupt potential peace talks between Mali and one of the militant groups.
The Washington Post