Sahel States Under Junta Leadership Unite for Joint Force Against Insurgents
On March 6, armed forces chiefs from Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, all led by juntas, announced their agreement to establish a joint force to address security threats spanning their territories. The decision comes after the three neighboring countries in West Africa’s insurgency-prone central Sahel region cut military ties with longstanding allies, including France, and formed a collaborative agreement known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Niger’s armed forces chief, Moussa Salaou Barmou, disclosed the establishment of this new task force during a televised statement. Barmou emphasized that the force would become operational as soon as possible to address the pressing security challenges. However, specific details regarding the size and scope of the force were not provided.
The move reflects a deepening collaboration among the three nations, marked by their decision to sever military ties with traditional partners and foster a more independent approach to security in the Sahel region. This shift in alignment has been evident since the juntas took control in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali through a series of coups from 2020 to 2023.
The security situation in the central Sahel region has been exacerbated by a decade-long conflict with Islamist groups affiliated with Al Qaeda and the Islamic State. Violence has intensified since the juntas assumed power, reaching a peak in 2023. According to the U.S.-based crisis-monitoring group ACLED, conflict-related fatalities in the central Sahel surged by 38% compared to the previous year. Burkina Faso, in particular, reported over 8,000 people killed in 2023 alone.
The decision to establish a joint force underscores the shared recognition among Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali of the urgent need to address security challenges collaboratively. By pooling their resources and efforts, these countries aim to enhance their capacity to combat the insurgency and stabilize the central Sahel region. The development also marks a significant departure from previous military alliances, signaling a strategic realignment in response to the evolving security landscape in West Africa.
