The United States continues to strengthen its ties with the three African Sahel Alliance countries
The US State Department’s Office of African Affairs High Official Nick Checker held talks Friday with Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yawo Sangari and Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Lamine Zain on strengthening US-Niger relations.
The US Embassy in Niger said the Cheker-Sangari talks took place in a constructive and respectful atmosphere, as the two sides exchanged views on opportunities to renew cooperation on practical grounds, and to rebuild trust through dialogue and ongoing communication.
In a post on X on Saturday, the US embassy added that the officials discussed areas of common interest, including economic and trade cooperation, and counterterrorism efforts.
The two sides agreed to continue consultations across the relevant ministries to identify practical areas of cooperation that respect Niger’s sovereignty and reflect common priorities.
It noted that the US official also discussed with Ali Mahaman al Amin Zain a number of issues of mutual interest, including security and economic development.
Nick Checker came to present his country’s new vision to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, the Nigerien Foreign Ministry said, adding that the talks took place in an atmosphere of calm and mutual respect.
The two sides expressed their desire to relaunch cooperation on new foundations and work to restore trust, and among the topics discussed by the two sides were economic, trade cooperation and counter-terrorism.
Prior to Niger, Nick Checker visited Burkina Faso and Mali, in a move that reflects the US administration’s direction towards strengthening relations with the African Sahel countries.
US officials said that the United States is close to concluding an agreement with Mali that allows the resumption of aircraft and drones in Malian airspace, with the aim of gathering intelligence on armed groups.
US relations with Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have been strained under former President Joe Biden over Washington’s stance on military coups by the three countries.
Under current President Donald Trump, the authorities of these countries made a decision in December 2025 to apply a mutual travel ban to Americans, after adding the three countries to the White House’s travel ban list.
