Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso Establish Joint Force to Combat Terrorism

The military leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, part of the Sahel Alliance, announced on Wednesday in Niamey the formation of a "joint force" to combat terrorist organizations launching attacks in the three countries, all governed by military regimes.

The Chief of Staff of the Nigerien Armed Forces, General Moussa Salaou Barmou, stated in a declaration following a meeting with his counterparts in Niamey that the joint force of the Sahel Alliance members will commence operations as soon as possible to address the security challenges in the region.

The specifics regarding the organizational structure and size of this force were not disclosed.

However, General Barmou emphasized, "We are convinced that through the joint efforts of our three countries, we will succeed in creating conditions for shared security."

He highlighted that the three armies have developed an operational concept that will enable the achievement of objectives related to defense and security across the vast territories of the three nations.

Since 2020, military coups have overthrown civilian governments in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, with all three countries facing ongoing, severe terrorist violence for years.

The former French colonies turned away from Paris and sought new partnerships, notably with Russia, before establishing the Sahel Alliance to create a federal union in the future.

In late January, they also announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).