Blinken emphasizes need for US to produce results in Sahel.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the need for the United States and its Western allies to "deliver results" in the Sahel region of Africa, where the Russian Wagner mercenary group has been gaining influence. During his visit to Niger, Blinken announced $150m in new humanitarian assistance for the Sahel and met with Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum. He also warned against the Wagner Group's interventions, which he said have led to bad outcomes in other places. Violence has surged in the region, with attacks increasing by 50% in 2022 compared to the previous year.