Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have formed a joint military force of 5,000 personnel to combat escalating extremist violence in the Sahel region. This initiative is a response to a decade-long insurgency involving groups aligned with al-Qaida and the Islamic State. The juntas in these countries have shifted their reliance from French forces to Russian mercenaries and have left regional coalitions like ECOWAS.

In response to the increasing extremist violence in the Sahel region, the junta-led nations of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have announced the establishment of a joint military force, as stated by Niger’s Defense Minister, Salifou Mody. This newly formed force, comprising 5,000 personnel, is intended to operate across the three nations. Mody indicated that some cooperative military operations have already been initiated.

The joint force’s creation underscores the urgent need for improved security measures in the Sahel amidst an escalating insurgency linked to extremist groups. With significant civilian casualties reported, the juntas aim to bolster their military capabilities by collaborating directly with each other while seeking alternative partnerships for assistance.

Original Source: apnews.com

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