In July 2025, the early months of President Donald Trump’s second term saw a significant focus on Africa during a mini summit with five West African leaders.
This meeting occurred amidst the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and ongoing trade negotiations with the EU, which had a deadline that was ultimately postponed.
Among various notable events that month was the layoff of over 1,300 diplomats from the State Department and a three-day special meeting that gathered leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal.
Despite the high-profile nature of the summit, security in the Sahel—a pressing concern for many West African leaders—was not sufficiently addressed.
President Trump’s previous administration’s focus on Africa was encapsulated in the “New Africa Strategy” introduced in December 2018 by National Security Advisor John Bolton.
This strategy was centered on three main pillars: prosperity, security by countering radical Islamic terrorism and violent conflict, and stability.
However, in his second term, President Trump has shifted priorities.
The recent summit highlighted a newfound emphasis on securing access to critical strategic minerals, addressing migration issues including the proposal of accepting U.S. deportees, and prioritizing commercial policy.
During the luncheon, President Trump praised Africa for its rich natural resources, stating, “very valuable lands, great minerals, and significant oil deposits”.
This underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring access to Africa’s strategic mineral reserves, which are abundant in the participating countries.
On the matter of migration, President Trump discussed the necessity for these nations to repatriate nationals who unlawfully reside in the United States.
He even suggested the idea of accepting deportees from third countries, a proposal President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau publicly rejected, citing contradictions with his national policy.
Economically, the administration’s approach, underpinned by the principle of “trade not aid,” signals a desire for the U.S. to engage with African nations primarily through economic means.
Embalo expressed hope that U.S. investments would follow the summit, portraying the meeting as a potential launchpad for a win-win partnership.
Additionally, President Trump encouraged African leaders to increase their defense budgets and procure more U.S. military equipment, claiming it was the best available option.
While these discussions on trade and migration marked a notable dimension of U.S.-Africa relations, the stark omission of security concerns in the Sahel is critical.
The Sahel region is currently plagued by a jihadist insurgency, which has escalated violence against state forces, militias, and civilians, making it the world’s epicenter of terrorism.
According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), the Sahel ranks high on the conflict watchlist for 2025 due to this ongoing instability.
At the summit, President Trump acknowledged the issue of terrorism as Africa’s significant problem and noted the need for ongoing efforts to combat it.
However, details suggest that neither actionable measures nor formal agreements were made to confront the security challenges facing the Sahel.
This may be partially attributed to the administration’s ongoing reassessment of U.S. military posture and response strategies in Africa.
With a reliance on commercial diplomacy and economic engagement, there exists a risk of inadequacy in addressing the issues at hand.
Extremist violence that crosses borders necessitates a coherent and strategic approach rather than a narrowly focused economic policy.
The need for a robust, multi-faceted plan focused on security in the Sahel is urgent.
This plan should encompass strong support for African-led security initiatives and foster better regional cooperation amongst West African states.
The interconnectedness that arises from a cooperative society may serve to alleviate some of the vulnerabilities that extremists exploit.
Thus, the groundwork for a more sustainable U.S.-Africa partnership must be laid through addressing these critical security concerns.
While the July summit with West African leaders presents an encouraging start, the deteriorating situation in the Sahel must be a priority.
As the upcoming U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit approaches, it would be wise to maintain discussions centered on regional security and stability.
The Sahel was once known for its intellectual vibrancy and peaceful societies, and there is potential for transformation from a conflict-ridden area to one of economic opportunity and peace.
Historical examples reinforce that regions celebrated for knowledge and tranquility can also descend into chaos if left unaddressed.
The expansion of groups like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, which control vast areas of the Sahel, poses a threat not only locally but also to regional stability extending toward coastal West Africa.
Thus, despite the administration’s strategic focus on securing minerals and enhancing commercial relations, a critical moment has arrived to confront the escalating security crisis in the Sahel.
The existing violence, driven by economic disparity and instability, can potentially be resolved, but only with proactive engagement and comprehensive strategies that transcend mere economic interests.
A renewed and focused approach to the Sahel is essential, one that prioritizes both security and partnership for prosperity.
image source from：atlanticcouncil
