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SAHEL ALLIANCE TO FORM 5,000-STRONG MILITARY UNIT TO FIGHT JIHADIST VIOLENCE

SAHEL ALLIANCE TO FORM 5,000-STRONG MILITARY UNIT TO FIGHT JIHADIST VIOLENCE
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Faith Nyasuguta

Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali have announced plans to form a 5,000-member military unit to combat the persistent jihadist violence that has plagued the Sahel region for over a decade. The initiative reflects their determination to reclaim security in a region that has long struggled with extremist threats linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

These three nations, collectively known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), formed a confederation in 2023 following military-led transitions in each country between 2020 and 2023. After distancing themselves from former colonial power France, the alliance now seeks innovative solutions to address their security challenges.

Niger’s Defense Minister, Salifou Mody, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “In this common space, our forces will be able to intervene together,” he stated during a televised interview. He further noted that the unified force is “nearly ready” and will feature personnel equipped with aerial, ground, and intelligence capabilities. The force is expected to be operational within weeks.

/Courtesy/

Spanning an area of 2.8 million square kilometers and four times the size of France, the alliance faces a formidable challenge. The Sahel region, located between the Sahara desert and the savannas, has become a hotspot for extremist attacks. Despite previous international assistance, including French military support, the jihadist violence has persisted.

Minister Mody underscored the shared threat faced by the three nations: “We are in the same place, we face the same type of threats, especially from criminal groups. We have to join forces.” He described the initiative as “new, original, and vital” for securing the region’s territories and protecting its people.

The three nations have already conducted joint operations in areas where their borders converge, a region particularly affected by frequent attacks. By formalizing their cooperation through the AES and creating this unified force, they aim to better coordinate efforts and strengthen their response.

After their military-led transitions, the three countries expelled French forces, citing dissatisfaction with their impact, and opted out of ECOWAS, deeming it misaligned with their security needs. They have since sought new alliances, including closer ties with Russia, which has shown interest in expanding its influence in the region.

/AES/

This new force symbolizes a revolutionary approach to addressing the Sahel’s security crisis, marking a significant step in the alliance’s bid for regional stability and independence.

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Faith Nyasuguta

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