Mali has called on the United States to take legal action against those accused of diverting USAID funds to Boko Haram and other terrorist groups operating in West Africa.
This demand comes after reports suggested that American aid money, meant for social projects, was misused to support violent extremists.
The Malian government expressed shock at the US decision to halt aid, stating that it had long warned of the risks of foreign funding being used for destabilization. Mali, which has been shifting away from Western alliances and strengthening ties with Russia, reiterated its stance that such aid has been exploited to undermine its sovereignty and security.
The controversy centers around $14 million (approximately 8.8 billion CFA francs) in aid funds that were allegedly misdirected. Recent US congressional investigations have revealed that portions of American foreign aid may have ended up in the hands of terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram and ISIS-affiliated groups.
Mali’s statement aligns with its broader push for self-reliance and regional cooperation within the Confederation of Sahel States (AES). The country has expelled French troops and deepened military partnerships with Russia, positioning itself as a vocal critic of Western intervention in African affairs.
Meanwhile, US officials have yet to respond directly to Mali’s demands for prosecution. However, Washington has recently tightened its oversight of foreign aid spending, acknowledging concerns over financial mismanagement.
As tensions rise, the situation underscores growing friction between Mali and the US over security and governance in the Sahel region. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for US-Africa relations and the fight against terrorism in West Africa.