When transitions to democratic, civilian-led governments fail in a region in which the U.S. has a security interest, it reflects poorly on the U.S. and raises concerns about America’s enduring commitment to the region. The Biden Administration has been unable to balance the Sahel’s aspirations for democracy with the practicalities of a delicate region that is working to stabilize its political institutions against external antidemocratic influences and extremist threats. Restoring American leadership and clout in the region is paramount to maintaining global security. Without a frank reassessment of its Africa strategy, the Biden Administration will only further fail the people of the Sahel and enable malign influences to fill the void to the detriment of the U.S. national interest—thus failing the American people as well.