The United States and Mali are working to restore security cooperation after years of strained relations. According to Business Insider Africa, the two governments are negotiating a deal that would allow U.S. drones and aircraft to resume intelligence missions across the Sahel region.

The Sahel has become a major security concern due to the growing presence of extremist groups linked to al‑Qaeda and ISIS. Intelligence sharing and aerial surveillance are considered key tools to track militant activity across the vast desert region.

The potential agreement also reflects a shift in Washington’s approach toward military-led governments in the region. U.S. officials are taking steps to ease tensions with Mali in order to counter influence from other global powers.

If finalized, the agreement could reopen critical intelligence channels and strengthen counterterrorism efforts across West Africa. Analysts say the move may also reshape geopolitical competition in the Sahel.