US Official Discussions in Algeria Arms Proliferation in Sahel

Bonnie Jenkins, the US undersecretary of state for arms control, would discuss with senior officials in Algeria security, counter-terrorism, and weapons proliferation in Sahel and Libya.

Jenkins also has the Russian “Wagner” threats on her agenda.

“Jenkins will meet with senior government officials to discuss issues of mutual concern, including efforts to deepen bilateral security cooperation to address shared regional security challenges,” read a statement by the Office of the US State Department Spokesman on Sunday.

“The Under Secretary will also meet with Ambassadors from like-minded diplomatic missions in Algiers to discuss regional security issues.”

This indicates that she would meet with ambassadors of Sahel countries, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania.

The visit comes amid ongoing Algerian-Moroccan tension and the presence of “Wagner” militias in some African countries, especially in Mali, which is concerning Washington.

Observers expect that the US official would convey to the Algerian officials her government’s wish to cooperate in order to curb the infiltration of pro-Russian armed groups on the African continent.

Jenkins would meet with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra, Army Chief of Staff Said Chengriha, and senior military officers.

The diplomatic visit of Jenkins comes one month after the visit of Michael Langley, commander of US Africa Command, and three months after the visit of Brett McGurk, the National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Yael Lempert, principal deputy assistant secretary, and Jeremy Brandt, the North Africa official in the US National Security Council.

Chengriha informed Langley on Feb. 8 that his country holds impartiality and deals with several friendly countries to serve its interests.