Analysts say recent developments point to growing United States diplomatic engagement in the Sahel, with Mali at the centre of renewed attention.

Balancing issues of sovereignty, alliances, and commercial interests, the AES bloc—whose closest ally is Russia—is this week hosting a U.S. envoy, Nick Checker.

Washington says the visit is intended to strengthen security cooperation with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, particularly in the fight against terrorism.

Sahel analyst with the International Crisis Group, Franklin Nossiter, spoke to WADR.