Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali plan to deploy a 5,000-member joint force to combat security threats in the Sahel. This move follows their disconnection from Western powers after a series of coups, which had exacerbated ongoing insurgencies linked to terrorist groups.

West African nations governed by military regimes—Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali—are preparing to launch a joint military force comprising 5,000 personnel. This new initiative aims to confront rising security threats in the central Sahel region. Niger’s Defense Minister, Salifou Mody, announced that this Alliance of Sahel States (AES) force will possess aerial assets, intelligence capabilities, and requisite equipment as it prepares to initiate operations across the participating nations.

The Sahel region, which includes Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, has been experiencing severe instability due to jihadist insurgencies associated with groups such as Al Qaeda and ISIS for nearly a decade. Following a spate of coups between 2020 and 2023, these nations opted to break ties with Western nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), escalating their commitment to managing security threats independently. The situation has deteriorated further despite prior commitments to tackle these challenges.

In summary, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali are forming a combined military force to better address increasing security threats posed by extremist groups in the region. This response comes in light of their recent political upheavals and a shift away from Western influence, marking a significant step in their efforts to restore stability in the Sahel.

Original Source: www.africa.com

Related posts:

Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali Mobilize Troops for Sahel Security Operations Senegal’s Diplomatic Efforts to Retain Sahel Nations in ECOWAS ECOWAS Summit Addresses Departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Heighten Military Readiness Amidst Regional Threats