Analysis: The Pentagon’s Blame Game on Russian Involvement in African Coups
Introduction:
A recent analysis by the Pentagon’s top Africa researcher has placed the blame for coups in the African Sahel region squarely on Russia. However, this analysis fails to acknowledge the role of the United States in training leaders of these mutinies and the consequences of two decades of failed U.S. counterterrorism policies in the region.
The Role of U.S.-Supported Officers in Coups:
Contrary to the Pentagon’s analysis, it is essential to note that at least 15 military officers who received U.S. security assistance have been involved in 12 coups in West Africa and the greater Sahel during the war on terror. Reports by The Intercept reveal that U.S.-supported officers played a significant role in coups in countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Mauritania, Gambia, Chad, and Guinea.
The Lack of Transparency and Accountability:
The total number of U.S.-trained mutineers across Africa remains unknown, as the State Department, responsible for tracking data on U.S. trainees, has been unwilling or unable to provide this information. Moreover, the Pentagon missed its March deadline to provide a briefing on coups carried out by U.S.-trained African partners to the Senate and House Armed Services committees. While a classified briefing eventually took place, the Department of Defense failed to confirm the information shared.
Strained Relations with Former Allies:
The strained relations between the U.S. and its longtime allies, Niger and Chad, have led to the withdrawal of American troops from these countries. This withdrawal is a consequence of souring relations with former acolytes who now lead these nations.
The Failure of Junta Rule:
The article highlights that while juntas justify their coups as necessary for restoring security, episodes of violence linked to militant Islamist groups have doubled since these militaries seized power. This raises questions about the effectiveness of junta rule in addressing security concerns.
The Omission of U.S. Counterterrorism Efforts:
Surprisingly, the report fails to discuss the billions of dollars in security assistance provided by the U.S. government to the Sahel region. It also overlooks the military training provided to many of the coup leaders. Additionally, there is no mention of the failure of U.S. counterterrorism efforts or the significant increase in terrorist violence during the period of U.S. involvement.
The Escalation of Violence:
The escalation of violence in the Sahel is evident when comparing data from the early years of U.S. counterterrorism assistance to recent figures. In 2002 and 2003, there were only nine terrorist attacks recorded in the Sahel. However, last year alone, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger experienced 3,716 violent events, representing a staggering increase of over 41,000 percent. The number of fatalities linked to Islamist violence has also skyrocketed from 23 deaths in 2002 and 2003 to 11,643 in 2023, a jump of over 50,000 percent.
Gen. Michael Langley’s Defense:
Gen. Michael Langley, the head of U.S. Africa Command, has pushed back against suggestions that U.S. support to African military personnel is linked to their rebellions. He denies any correlation or causation between U.S. training and coups, stating that there is no syllabus for overthrowing a government within U.S. institutions.
Insights from Experts:
Jeffrey Smith, the founding director of Vanguard Africa, and Joseph Siegle, the director of research at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, emphasize that this analysis is not an apology or justification for failed U.S. policy. They acknowledge that training junta leaders and abusive militaries in the region is a fair criticism to raise.
Conclusion:
The Pentagon’s analysis blaming Russia for African coups fails to acknowledge the U.S. role in training coup leaders and the consequences of failed U.S. counterterrorism policies in the Sahel region. The lack of transparency and accountability, strained relations with former allies, and the escalation of violence raise significant concerns about the effectiveness of U.S. involvement in the region. It is crucial to address these issues and reassess counterterrorism strategies to ensure a more stable and secure Sahel.
