ASSESSMENTS
Amid a U.S. Drawdown, France Strives to Hold Its Line in the Sahel

Jan 29, 2020 | 10:00 GMT

A U.S. Army trainer instructs Malian soldiers on April 12, 2018, during an anti-terrorism exercise near Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. France is worried about helping manage regional militancy after the United States leaves the area.
(ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)
Highlights
- Despite France's efforts to prevent a U.S. drawdown in West Africa, the United States will likely shift more of its assets and forces elsewhere to counter rising competition with Russia and China.
- France and its African allies consequently will struggle to replace the United States' significant intelligence, logistics and financial resources.
- Russia will likely expand its interests in the insecurity-plagued region as it seeks to increase its clout across Africa to gain economic and political advantages.
Subscribe Now
SubscribeAlready have an account?