The anti–West sentiments have swept the African continent and have proved to be a major hindrance on the path of the West‘s desire to get Africa on its side. We have seen how the growing hostility in Africa against anything Western. It has resulted in France withdrawing its military troops from many African countries. Last year, France withdrew its years–long military intervention from Mali and the Central African Republic, and most recently it had to withdraw its troops from Burkina Faso as well.
Further, this all happened when Russia’s influence in the continent has significantly grown and Wagner is making inroads into new territories.
Now, it would not be an overstatement to say that the Sahel region has more or less closed its doors on the West’s face, recently.
Ghana: US’ new target?
Thus, the geopolitical game has intensified, however, the US is some way or the other still trying to find a way to lurk around the corner in the Sahel.
After the geopolitical debacle of the West in the Sahel region, the US is now targeting a country in its spill-over region to stay geopolitical relevant.
Yes, the US’ new target is Ghana now.
As per a report, the US has now begun its counter-terrorism training program for African forces in Ghana.
The program aims to strengthen border defences in the fight against Islamist insurgents who are spreading South into new territories.
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The program is known as “Flintlock”, and started at a military base in the dusty northern town of Daboya, where US and European trainers drilled soldiers from across Africa.
As per the US Africa Command, Flintlock intends to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organisations, collaborate across borders, and provide security for their people.
It looks like, with this new strategy, the US is once again planning to just somehow hold onto the spillover region of Sahel to exert its influence and project its geopolitical relevance, as strong anti-West sentiments dominate most Sahel countries.
After the West’s failure to counter-insurgency despite years of military intervention which also led to Africa’s resentment against the West, will this “training” program be its saving grace, only time will tell?
