Sahel alliance: Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger unveil joint military force amid jihadist threats
The Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger—united under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—are governed by military juntas that seized power through coups between 2020 and 2023. These governments advocate for sovereignty and have distanced themselves from Western influence, prioritizing regional security cooperation instead.
High-level meeting in Bamako to strengthen defense cooperation
On Monday, Malian junta leader Assimi Goïta hosted his Nigerien counterpart, General Abdourahamane Tiani, in Bamako. The next day, Burkinabé leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré joined the summit, as confirmed by Malian authorities.
A key agenda item was the establishment of a joint military force to combat the escalating jihadist insurgency across their borders. While the force has been symbolically launched—marked by the presentation of a banner to the Unified AES Force (FU-AES)—no timeline for full operational deployment has been disclosed.
Jihadist expansion threatens Sahel economies and stability
For over a decade, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have faced relentless attacks by Al-Qaida and Islamic State-affiliated groups. Despite efforts, these militants have expanded operations, particularly in southern Mali, where they increasingly target economic infrastructure, crippling the landlocked nation’s already fragile economy.
In Burkina Faso and Niger, jihadist violence continues to destabilize governments, displacing thousands of civilians and straining resources. A Malian defense ministry official stated, “We have allocated the necessary resources. Each country has contributed troops and equipment. We will stand united on the ground.”
Beyond security: economic and media integration
The summit also marked the symbolic launch of the AES News Television, though its broadcast date remains undisclosed. Additionally, leaders are set to approve a framework for a joint investment bank, headquartered in Bamako, aimed at boosting economic cooperation among the three nations.
The AES countries, which have shifted away from traditional partners like France and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), are increasingly aligning with alternative allies, notably Russia, to bolster their strategic independence.
