The US is nearing a deal with Mali that will allow Washington to resume flying aircraft and drones over the West African country's airspace to gather intelligence on terrorist groups linked to Al Qaeda, according to one current US official and a former US official.
Last month, Washington made the first move to implement the agreement by lifting sanctions targeting the defence minister and other senior officials who it said had ties with Russian mercenaries, a key request by Mali's government, the sources said.
The US hopes this will lead Mali to grant the US permission to fly intelligence-gathering missions over the country's vast terrain, according to the current and former US officials.
The Trump administration has sought to rebuild ties with Mali after they came under strain during the previous administration.
Mali says US relations to 'improve'
In Washington, the goal to resume intelligence gathering is partly driven by a desire to find an American pilot who was kidnapped by armed men while working for Christian missionaries in neighbouring Niger. The pilot is currently believed to be held in Mali by a local terrorist group affiliated to Al Qaeda.
The State Department declined to comment.
A Malian government spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
But after the sanctions were lifted on February 27, Mali's government praised the move, describing it as a step that would help "improve relations between our two countries, while reiterating respect for national sovereignty."
'New course'
Last month, the top US envoy to Africa, Nick Checker, visited Mali to meet with Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop.
The goal was to convey Washington's "desire to chart a new course in the bilateral relationship and move past policy missteps," according to the State Department, an apparent reference to Biden administration policies.
The Trump administration's effort to improve relations with Sahel countries has also encountered setbacks. Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso in December took steps to implement a reciprocal travel ban on Americans after the three nations were added to the White House's travel ban list.
In Mali, terrorists allied with Al Qaeda and other groups continue to pose a threat to the country's security.
Terrorist attacks
Over the past year, terrorists have attacked gold mining assets and key highways, starving Mali's capital Bamako of fuel for businesses and schools.
Reuters was unable to determine whether Mali was taking steps to give Washington permission to conduct missions in its airspace or when it was expected to take action.
It wasn’t immediately clear where the US might base aircraft if Mali proceeds with granting permission to resume overflight operations.
