The Malian government has urged the United States to prosecute those responsible for allegedly diverting U.S. aid funds to finance terrorist organizations such as Boko Haram. In a statement released on February 24, 2025, Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed its surprise over the recent announcement by a U.S. agency that American aid to Mali had been canceled. The disputed $14 million (around 8.8 billion CFA francs) was reportedly designated for social cohesion projects in the country.

Mali, which has increasingly distanced itself from Western influence while strengthening ties with Russia, has long expressed concerns about foreign aid being used as a destabilizing tool. The Malian government claimed that such aid had been misused to support terrorist groups operating in the region, further compromising the sovereignty and security of Sahel countries. In its statement, the government acknowledged the U.S. efforts to prevent the misuse of its aid, but called for legal action against those responsible for redirecting the funds to terrorist factions.

This call for action follows reports that USAID funds may have been funneled to terrorist organizations in West Africa. A recent U.S. congressional investigation revealed that American taxpayer money, allocated through foreign aid programs, potentially ended up supporting extremist groups, including Boko Haram and ISIS-affiliated factions.

While the U.S. government has yet to officially respond to Mali’s demands, recent policy shifts suggest a more stringent approach to monitoring foreign aid. The U.S. State Department recently announced a review of its international funding programs, acknowledging concerns over financial mismanagement and links to illicit activities.

Mali’s military-led transitional government has also taken a firm stance against Western intervention, expelling French troops and aligning with Russian security forces. This latest statement underscores Mali’s broader push for sovereignty and its challenge to the U.S. over the alleged misuse of development assistance.