Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso Announce Joint Force to Combat Jihadist Threat

In response to the ongoing jihadist rebellions plaguing their countries, the army chiefs of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have declared the formation of a joint force to tackle the security challenges posed by extremist groups. The announcement, made by Niger’s army chief Moussa Salaou Barmou following discussions in Niamey, underscores the shared commitment of the three nations to address the escalating violence in the region.

The joint force, whose size was not specified, aims to swiftly confront the security threats in the Sahel region. Barmou emphasised that the combined efforts of the three countries would pave the way for enhanced security and stability in the area.

This development reflects the deepening alliance among the three neighbouring nations, which have recently distanced themselves from France, their former colonial ruler and traditional security partner, in favour of closer ties with Russia.

Last year, they formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), signalling their intent to create a federation. Additionally, they announced plans to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc that had imposed sanctions on them for overthrowing democratically elected governments in successive coups since 2020.

Also Read: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Withdraw from ECOWAS

The decision to form a joint force comes amid mounting frustration with civilian governments’ inability to curb the violence perpetrated by jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The jihadist insurgency, which originated in northern Mali in 2012 before spreading to neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso in 2015, has resulted in thousands of casualties and displaced millions across the region.

Despite promises by the military regimes to address the conflict, violence in the Sahel has persisted and worsened in recent years. The decision to establish a joint force underscores the urgency of the situation and the determination of the three countries to confront the jihadist threat head-on.

In addition to forming the joint force, the military governments of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have strengthened their ties with Russia and distanced themselves from international partners, including France and ECOWAS. These developments mark a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Sahel region and highlight the evolving dynamics in the fight against extremism.