Three military-ruled nations in Africa’s Sahel region—Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali—have announced the creation of a 5,000-strong unified force to combat the persistent jihadist violence plaguing their territories. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Niger’s Defense Minister Salifou Mody.
A Unified Front Against Common Threats
The newly established “unified force” will bring together personnel and resources from the three nations, including aerial, ground, and intelligence capabilities. Minister Mody revealed during a televised interview that the force is “nearly ready” and expected to be operational within weeks.
“In this common space, our forces will be able to intervene together,” Mody said. He emphasized the importance of this collaboration, describing the initiative as “new, original, and essential to provide security for our territories and people.”
The alliance aims to enhance joint operations, particularly in areas where their borders converge a region that has faced frequent and deadly attacks by jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
Alliance of Sahel States (AES)
The move follows the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) last year, a confederation established by the three nations after distancing themselves from France and regional organizations like ECOWAS.
Between 2020 and 2023, military coups in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali ousted civilian administrations, leading to shifts in foreign policy and alliances. The three nations expelled French military forces, deeming them ineffective against jihadist threats, and have instead sought new partnerships, including with Russia.
Challenges in the Sahel Region
The Sahel region, stretching across northwest Africa between the Sahara desert and the savanna, spans approximately 2.8 million square kilometers—an area four times the size of France. Despite various international efforts over the past decade, including French military support, the region remains a hotbed of extremist activity and violence.
Minister Mody underscored the shared challenges faced by the three countries: “We are in the same place, we face the same type of threats, especially this threat of criminal groups. We have to join forces.”
The Path Ahead
The unified force will build on existing joint anti-jihadist operations and aims to strengthen regional security and cooperation. Leaders in the Sahel Alliance believe this collective approach marks a significant step toward reclaiming stability and ensuring the safety of their populations.
As the alliance prepares to deploy its new force, the world will be watching to see whether this bold initiative can achieve what years of foreign assistance and unilateral efforts have not—restoring peace to the Sahel.