NEWS & POLITICS
U.S. moves to reset relations with Mali amid Sahel insecurity and strategic mineral interests
The United States has moved to recalibrate its strained relationship with Mali, signaling a pragmatic shift driven by deteriorating security conditions in the Sahel and strategic and economic interests.
Michael Oduor
BAMAKO, Mali | February 2 (Running Africa) — The renewed engagement was marked by a visit to Bamako on Monday by Nick Checker, Senior Bureau Official at the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs. Checker held talks with Mali's Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, focused on easing tensions and exploring pathways to normalize bilateral ties.
Image: Bureau of African Affairs X (Twitter) page
Ahead of the visit, the U.S. Africa Bureau said on X that Checker would reaffirm Washington's respect for Mali's sovereignty and its desire to move beyond previous policy disputes. The statement added that the United States was seeking to "discuss next steps for enhancing U.S.–Mali cooperation," with parallel consultations planned with Burkina Faso and Niger on shared security and economic priorities across the Sahel.
Relations frayed after the 2021 coup
Image: edition.cnn.com Malian soldiers patrol the streets of Diabaly
U.S.–Mali relations sharply deteriorated following Mali's 2021 military coup, after which Bamako severed defense ties with the United States and France and ordered the closure of foreign military bases that had supported counterterrorism operations.
Tensions escalated further in October 2025, when Mali imposed reciprocal visa bond requirements on U.S. tourists in response to Washington's decision to raise visa fees. Malian authorities said the U.S. move violated a 2005 bilateral agreement guaranteeing visa access, prompting Bamako to enact what it described as a proportional response.
Washington has historically adopted a hardline approach toward governments that come to power through military takeovers, suspending security cooperation and limiting diplomatic engagement with Mali in the years following the coup.
Strategic and economic recalibration
Image: theassay.com
U.S. re-engagement with Bamako now reflects a broader strategic reassessment. Mali is a key African producer of gold, and holds significant reserves of lithium and Uranium—minerals increasingly critical to global energy transitions and advanced technology supply chains. Analysts say renewed dialogue is partly aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on China-dominated mineral markets.
The diplomatic outreach also comes as security conditions in Mali continue to deteriorate. Armed jihadist groups have intensified attacks across the country, including strikes on fuel convoys, deepening shortages and economic strain despite ongoing efforts by Malian forces to stabilize key transport routes.
Malian Tuareg fighters under Col. Major El-Hadj Gamou listen attentively as Mali’s army chief of staff visits Kidal. Image: foxnews.com
While significant policy differences remain, U.S. officials appear to be signaling a willingness to prioritize stability, resource security, and regional cooperation in the Sahel—marking a cautious but notable shift in Washington's approach to Mali.
