As Russia looms, US seeks influence in West Africa's fight against Islamists

Ghanaian military personnel train shooting during the annual counter-terrorism program called "Operation Flintlock", in Daboya, Ghana March 2, 2023. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko

DABOYA, Ghana (Reuters) - U.S. commanders leading annual counter-terrorism exercises in West Africa have urged coastal countries to depend on each other to contain a spreading Islamist insurgency, rather than non-Western powers, after Mali last year hired Russian mercenaries.

Relations between Russia and the U.S. have become more hostile since Moscow invaded Ukraine over a year ago, and Washington and its allies oppose Russian influence in West Africa.