Most of what you’ve heard from us recently has been about our work in Ukraine and Taiwan. Today, we’d like to share an update on Spirit of America’s programs in Africa, where we are working with US troops and diplomats to address three critical threats: a spike in terrorism, armed coups against democratic governments, and Russian malign influence. Our team is actively engaged to reduce conflict and support US missions in Mozambique, Benin, Togo, and Niger.

On July 26, the President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum was detained by members of his presidential guard who issued a declaration of military rule. The situation there is fluid, as US diplomats and African partners seek to restore the democratically elected president. Given these events and the importance of the region, we want to share our analysis of the broader context and why Spirit of America is needed to support our US and African partners:

Africa is the New Frontline Against Terrorism: Niger is located in Africa’s Sahel region, a semi-arid expanse south of the Sahara Desert, where the death toll of terrorism is now higher than in the Middle East and South Asia combined. al-Qaida and the Islamic State have carved out safe havens and threaten populations in Niger’s neighbors, Mali and Burkina Faso, as well as in the stable and democratic countries on the coast: Ghana, Togo, and Benin. The spread of terrorism is captured in the map of West Africa included below. In East Africa, terrorism has also spread southward, from Somalia through Kenya and Tanzania to Mozambique.

A Dangerous Trend of Militaries Overthrowing Democratic Governments: The attempted coup in Niger follows similar coups in neighboring Mali (2020), Burkina Faso (2022), and Guinea (2021). In each case, military leaders claimed they were acting to restore security. In fact, terrorist violence spiked after the coups, increasing 140% in Mali since 2020. These military juntas also lost access to most US government security assistance due to sharp restrictions on US aid to regimes formed by a coup — limiting America’s ability to counter terrorism and engage with populations in West Africa.

Russia Exploiting Instability to Gain Influence: Russia has capitalized on the recent coups to gain influence in Africa. In Niger — like in Mali and Burkina Faso — coup supporters waved Russian flags in the streets. Following the Mali coup, Russian advisors on the ground provided muscle to the military junta. The junta demonstrated its thanks by making Mali one of only six countries to vote with Russia in a February UN Resolution on Ukraine. Russian illicit involvement in Africa helps fund the war in Ukraine.

African Civilians Suffer Most: It can be easy to forget the real headline — that it is civilians who bear the brunt of it all. While terrorism, anti-democratic regime change, and Russian predation represent real challenges for the US and its allies around the world, most people want simply to live their lives in peace. Most hope for a free and better life, and for the kind of opportunity we in the US sometimes take for granted.

Spirit of America Partnering with US Troops and Diplomats in Africa: US troops, diplomats, and local partners in Africa tell us Spirit of America’s role is critical in addressing the challenges they face. Together, we are making an impact in the following ways:

• Partnering with Frontline Communities Under Threat: In Togo and Benin — two vibrant countries threatened by terrorist groups pushing south from Mali — Spirit of America is helping US and African Special Forces build partnerships with frontline communities. In July, our Africa team joined US and Beninese troops on a Spirit of America-funded medical mission to two remote communities in northern Benin (photo below). By building partnerships with these communities, we strengthen the firewall against terrorism.

• Countering Terrorism with Schools and Governance in Mozambique: When the Islamic State attacked a town on the Mozambique/Tanzania border — killing dozens of civilians — Spirit of America worked with the US embassy to help citizens rebuild schools for over 500 students, along with key government buildings, enabling the community to hold the line against terrorist attacks.

• Assessing Future Operations in Niger: Prior to the crisis in Niger, Spirit of America was prepared to imminently launch a new initiative to promote terrorist defections and expand government reach through radio broadcasts. Based on the outcome of US efforts to restore democracy, we will determine the potential to continue activities in Niger.

• Exploring Opportunities to Partner with Young Leaders Seeking a Better Future: Our partners across Africa tell us that investing in local ideas and young leaders is one of the best ways to demonstrate that the America is a partner for a better future. Spirit of America is exploring a number of potential high-impact opportunities to strengthen frontline democracies in partnership with young Africans who can provide a counterweight to terrorism and malign influence.