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U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Mali Officials Amid Security Strategy Shift

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United States lifted sanctions on three Malian officials linked to Russia's Wagner Group, including Defense Minister Sadio Camara and military leaders.
U.S. envoy Nick Checker visited Mali recently to discuss strengthening ties and resuming intelligence sharing.
Move aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump's focus on countering jihadist threats in Africa's Sahel.
The Biden administration previously restricted U.S. operations in Africa's Sahel, where Mali faces a decade-long jihadist insurgency.

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Story summary

The United States lifted sanctions on three Malian officials linked to Russia's Wagner Group, including Defense Minister Sadio Camara and military leaders.
U.S. envoy Nick Checker visited Mali recently to discuss strengthening ties and resuming intelligence sharing.
Move aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump's focus on countering jihadist threats in Africa's Sahel.
The Biden administration previously restricted U.S. operations in Africa's Sahel, where Mali faces a decade-long jihadist insurgency.