Alliance of Sahel States to form 5,000-troop military unit
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Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, three countries in Africa’s Sahel region that have experienced military coups in recent years, have announced plans to create a joint military force of 5,000 troops to combat the persistent jihadist violence affecting the region. The move is seen as an effort to address the ongoing security crisis that has plagued the nations for over a decade.
The new “unified force” will be operational within weeks, according to Niger’s Defence Minister Salifou Mody. This force will be equipped with personnel, aerial support, ground units, intelligence resources, and a coordination system to enhance effectiveness. The three countries, which together span approximately 2.8 million square kilometers—an area roughly four times the size of France—are determined to tackle the common threat posed by extremist groups aligned with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS). The violence has escalated despite previous efforts by French forces and international allies to stabilize the region.
The Sahel region, situated between the Sahara Desert to the north and the savannas to the south, has been particularly vulnerable to jihadist activity. Over the past decade, these groups have carried out frequent attacks, destabilizing the area and overwhelming the local governments. Despite the support of French troops, who had been stationed in the region for years as part of counterterrorism operations, the jihadist insurgency has persisted, and the Sahel nations have been struggling to regain control.
Following a series of military coups between 2020 and 2023, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have distanced themselves from their former colonial power, France. The three nations, now under military rule, expelled French forces and grew disillusioned with Western support for counterterrorism efforts. Instead, they formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) last year to collaborate on security and other regional challenges, including the ongoing jihadist violence. This new alliance aims to unite the countries in their fight against extremist groups and bring a more localized, coordinated approach to security.
In a televised statement, Defence Minister Mody emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, noting that the three countries face similar threats, particularly from criminal and militant groups. “We are in the same place, we face the same type of threats. We have to join forces,” Mody said. By pooling their military resources, the nations hope to create a more effective defense against the growing extremism in the region. The new force will operate not only in the borders of the three countries but also across the entire Sahel region, which has seen a rise in cross-border attacks.
This unified military effort comes after several joint anti-jihadist operations carried out by the countries, especially in the areas where their borders meet. These areas have been hotspots for jihadist activity, and the countries have often conducted joint patrols and operations in an effort to secure the region. However, this new initiative will significantly expand their combined military capabilities, bringing together their resources in a more coordinated effort to confront jihadist groups.
Since the military coups, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing a lack of support from the regional organization in addressing their specific security concerns. Instead, the three nations have sought new partnerships, most notably with Russia, which has been increasing its influence in the Sahel. This shift in alliances has drawn significant attention, as Russia’s growing presence in the region is seen as part of a broader geopolitical struggle for influence in Africa.
The joint military force represents a significant step in the Sahel nations’ efforts to regain control of their territories and secure their populations from extremist violence. However, challenges remain. The region’s vast size, difficult terrain, and the sophisticated nature of jihadist operations present ongoing hurdles. While the creation of a unified force marks a major development in the Sahel’s fight against jihadism, the ultimate success of the initiative will depend on how well these countries can manage their internal challenges and secure sustained international support, particularly from partners like Russia, who have shown a willingness to increase their presence in the region.
In the face of growing instability and jihadist violence, the formation of the 5,000-troop military unit marks a crucial turning point for the Sahel nations. Whether the alliance will be able to reduce the violence and provide lasting security remains to be seen, but the move signals a new chapter in the region’s fight against terrorism and the broader struggle for stability.
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