Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have announce the formation of a unified 5,000-strong military force aimed at combating jihadist violence in the Sahel region.
Niger’s Defence Minister, Salifou Mody, revealed in a televised interview that the force is “nearly ready” and expected to become operational within weeks. It will include aerial, ground, and intelligence resources, supported by a centralised coordination system.
The three nations, all former French colonies, experienced military coups between 2020 and 2023, leading to the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) last year.
Since the coups, the countries have distanced themselves from France, expelled French forces, and sought new alliances, including with Russia.
The Sahel region, spanning 2.8 million square kilometers, has been plagued by a decade of jihadist violence linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State groups.
The new force aims to bolster security and protect the region’s citizens, with Mody emphasizing the shared threats faced by the three nations.