Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali establish a 5,000-troop joint force to combat escalating extremist violence in the Sahel region.
In a significant move to address escalating security challenges, the military-led governments of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have announced the formation of a joint military force comprising 5,000 troops. This initiative aims to bolster regional stability in the central Sahel, a region plagued by extremist violence.
Niger’s Defense Minister, Salifou Mody, revealed on state television that the unified force, operating under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), will soon be operational. Equipped with its own air assets, equipment, and intelligence resources, the force is designed to conduct coordinated operations across the territories of the three nations. 
This development follows a series of military coups between 2020 and 2023 that brought the current governments to power. In the aftermath, these nations severed military and diplomatic ties with France and other Western allies, opting instead to collaborate on security efforts through the AES.
The central Sahel has endured over a decade of insurgency from Islamist groups linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State. The resulting violence has led to a record number of attacks and civilian casualties, with over 3,470 deaths reported in the past six months alone. Additionally, approximately 2.6 million people have been displaced within the region due to the ongoing conflict.
The formation of this joint force signifies a strategic shift in regional security dynamics. By consolidating their military capabilities, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali aim to present a united front against extremist groups, reducing reliance on external military support. This move also reflects a broader trend of realignment, as these nations have distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and sought new alliances.
While the establishment of the 5,000-strong military unit demonstrates a proactive approach to regional security, its effectiveness will depend on the level of coordination among the member states and the support of the local populations. The international community will be closely monitoring this development, as stability in the Sahel is crucial for broader African and global security interests.
As the Alliance of Sahel States moves forward with this initiative, the success of the joint force will hinge on its ability to effectively counter extremist threats and foster long-term peace and stability in the region.
