Russia's influence in West Africa and Europe blamed for surge in migration.

US commanders leading counter-terrorism exercises in West Africa have urged coastal countries to depend on each other to contain a spreading Islamist insurgency, rather than non-Western powers, after Mali last year hired Russian mercenaries. Relations between Russia and the US have become more hostile since Moscow invaded Ukraine over a year ago, and Washington and its allies oppose Russian influence in West Africa. For a decade, offensive efforts have failed to stop an Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands and displaced millions.