Sahel Alliance: Three African nations in the Sahel region—Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali—are joining forces to create a 5,000-strong unified military unit to address the ongoing jihadist violence in their territories. This announcement was made on Tuesday by officials from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Unified Military Force in the Sahel
The new force, expected to be operational within weeks, will have personnel equipped with aerial, ground, and intelligence capabilities, as well as a coordinated command system. According to Niger’s Defence Minister Salifou Mody, this initiative aims to strengthen collaboration and address common security challenges in the region.
Why This Alliance Was Formed
The three nations, all former French colonies, experienced military coups between 2020 and 2023. Following these political transitions, they distanced themselves from France and established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2022. This confederation was formed to address regional security concerns without relying on external powers.
The unified force marks a significant step in deepening their alliance. Minister Mody emphasized the importance of unity: “We are in the same place, we face the same type of threats, especially this threat of criminal groups. We have to join forces.“
A Region Plagued By Jihadist Violence
The Sahel region, spanning approximately 2.8 million square kilometers (1.1 million square miles)—an area roughly four times the size of France—lies between the Sahara Desert and the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa.
For over a decade, jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and Islamic State have carried out relentless attacks across Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. Despite assistance from French forces in the past, the violence has persisted, prompting these nations to seek alternative solutions.
Joint Anti-Jihadist Operations
The three countries already collaborate on joint anti-jihadist missions, particularly in the tri-border area where the violence is most severe. The new unified force is expected to strengthen these efforts and provide greater security for their citizens.
Breaking Away from France and ECOWAS
After their respective coups, the governments of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali expelled French forces, arguing that external assistance had been ineffective. They also withdrew from ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), labeling it as unfit for their needs.
Instead, the nations have sought new alliances with countries like Russia, which has shown interest in expanding its influence in the region.
A New Chapter for the Sahel
This initiative represents a significant shift in how the Sahel nations are tackling their security challenges. By pooling resources and expertise, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali hope to bring stability to their territories and reduce the impact of jihadist violence.
Also Read: Thousands Gather In Niger To Demand The Removal Of French Troops.
