Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali are preparing to deploy 5,000 troops to combat escalating violence driven by Islamist groups in the central Sahel region, which has displaced 2.6 million people. The joint effort reflects a recent shift away from reliance on Western powers and aims to enhance regional security through collaboration under the Alliance of Sahel States.

In a significant initiative, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali will soon deploy a combined force of 5,000 troops to enhance security in the central Sahel region, according to Niger’s Defence Minister, Salifou Mody. This joint effort comes as these nations face rising violence linked to Islamist groups, which has driven 2.6 million people from their homes. The military-led governments formed through recent coups have opted to work together after cutting ties with traditional allies, including France.

The newly organized force will be equipped with its own air capabilities, equipment, and intelligence resources, allowing them to operate effectively across their shared territories. This collaboration is formalized under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), aimed at strengthening their security and responding to the increasing threats in the region. Mody indicated that some joint operations have already begun and emphasized that the AES force will be ready for visible deployment within weeks.

The Sahel region has faced escalating insecurity due to a protracted conflict with Islamist groups connected to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State. The situation has deteriorated significantly since 2020, coinciding with a series of military coups in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. These countries have opted to sever their military and diplomatic ties with regional powers and have sought to bolster internal security through enhanced collaboration among themselves. The rise in violence has resulted in massive displacement, prompting the need for urgent military intervention to restore stability.

The deployment of 5,000 troops from Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali marks a pivotal step towards addressing severe security challenges in the central Sahel. This initiative reflects a shift towards self-reliance in security matters following strained relationships with former allies. As the situation worsens due to conflicts with Islamist groups, the newly formed AES force aims to enhance security and mitigate the humanitarian crisis affecting millions in the region.

Original Source: africa.businessinsider.com

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