The US is exploring a military presence in West Africa and partnerships with those countries, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said.
“This is an important territory. We are currently working with the State Department on the issue of the countries you mentioned (Mali and Burkina Faso – RT),” RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.
Austin also said that the US would have to withdraw its troops from Niger.
At the same time, the Kremlin said on May 3 that Russia was developing relations with African countries in all spheres, including defence.
