Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, three junta-led nations in Africa’s Sahel region, have announced plans to form a 5,000-strong unified military force aimed at combating the extremist armed groups that have destabilised the region for years. The announcement was made by Niger’s Defence Minister Salifou Mody on Tuesday, who confirmed that the force is expected to be operational within weeks.
A unified response to regional threats
The proposed force, which will consist of ground, aerial, and intelligence units, marks a significant step towards consolidating military efforts against jihadist violence. “In this common space, our forces will be able to intervene together,” Mody said during a televised interview. He added that the force would operate under a coordinated system designed to secure the territories of all three nations.
This development follows years of insurgency by jihadist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and Islamic State (ISIS), whose activities have plagued the region. Despite the presence of French and US forces, the Sahel governments have struggled to curb the violence, which has led to widespread instability.
The alliance of Sahel States
Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, all former French colonies, experienced military coups between 2020 and 2023, which resulted in the ousting of civilian administrations. In the aftermath of these coups, the three nations distanced themselves from France and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2022. This confederation aims to foster closer cooperation on security and governance in the region.
The unified force will build on the joint anti-jihadist operations already conducted by the three countries, particularly in the tri-border area where the majority of attacks occur. Mody stressed the need for collective action: “We are in the same place, we face the same type of threats, especially this threat of criminal groups. We have to join forces.”
A vast and challenging terrain
Spanning approximately 2.8 million square kilometres, the combined territory of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali is roughly four times the size of France. The Sahel region, which lies between the Sahara Desert to the north and the savannas to the south, has become a hotbed of extremist activity over the past decade.
The new unified force is expected to play a crucial role in stabilising this vast and volatile area. “This is new, original, and will provide security for our territories and for our people,” Mody said, expressing confidence in the initiative’s potential to deliver tangible results.
Shifting alliances
The decision to form a unified force also reflects a broader realignment of the three countries’ international partnerships. Following their respective coups, the nations expelled French troops who had been deployed to assist in the fight against jihadists. They also withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), criticising the regional bloc for failing to address their security concerns effectively.
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In recent years, the Sahel nations have sought new allies, including Russia, as they navigate their security challenges and chart a course independent of traditional Western partnerships. Moscow has been actively expanding its influence in Africa, and the three nations’ shift towards Russia underscores the changing geopolitical dynamics in the region.
An ambitious undertaking
The creation of the unified force is being hailed as a bold and ambitious move, but it also presents significant challenges. Coordinating military operations across such a vast and diverse territory will require substantial logistical and financial resources. Additionally, the force will need to contend with well-entrenched jihadist networks that have proven resilient against previous counterinsurgency efforts.
Nevertheless, the leaders of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali are optimistic that this new approach will yield better results than past initiatives. As Mody emphasised, the unified force represents a fresh and innovative strategy to address the ongoing threat of extremism.
Looking ahead
The unified force is expected to commence operations within weeks, signalling a new chapter in the Sahel region’s fight against insurgency. While challenges remain, the initiative reflects a shared determination among the three nations to secure their territories and protect their people.
Observers will be watching closely to see how this new collaboration unfolds and whether it can bring much-needed stability to a region that has long been plagued by violence and insecurity.
