Andrew Lebovich in this article, published by the European Council on Foreign Relations, argues for deeper relations of the US with its key ally, France, when it comes to the Sahel:

https://ecfr.eu/article/how-france-and-the-us-can-work-to-stabilise-the-sahel/ (English)

https://ecfr.eu/paris/article/comment-la-france-et-les-etats-unis-peuvent-travailler-a-la-stabilisation-du-sahel/ (French)