# OSINT Post — @africaintel msg 14001

*Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 12:45 PM UTC — Hamer Intelligence Services Desk*

**Posted**: 2026-03-18T12:45:42.000Z (2mo ago)
**Fetched**: 2026-03-21T20:54:12.677Z (2mo ago)
**Views**: 1
**Link**: https://t.me/africaintel/14001
**Permalink**: https://hamerintel.com/data/posts/2192.md
**Source**: https://hamerintel.com/sources

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🇺🇸🇲🇱🇳🇪🇧🇫 Trump administration softens stance on Russian influence in Sahel in bid to free US hostageThe United States has dropped its opposition to Russian influence in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso as part of efforts to secure the release of missing American missionary Kevin Rideout, according to a new report. Washington's shift represents a significant departure from previous policy toward the three military-led Sahel governments.The three countries expelled French forces and Western partners in recent years, turning instead to Russia's Africa Corps, the successor to the Wagner Group, for security support. The reported US reengagement with the Sahel juntas signals a pragmatic recalibration driven by the hostage situation rather than a broader strategic realignment.#USA#Mali#Niger#BurkinaFaso🔸 Source@africaintel