Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali Form Unified Military Force to Combat Jihadist Violence

Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali Form Unified Military Force to Combat Jihadist Violence

Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have announced the creation of a unified 5,000-strong military force aimed at addressing the growing jihadist violence in the Sahel region. The new force, which is nearly ready for deployment, is expected to become operational within the coming weeks, according to Niger’s Defence Minister, Salifou Mody.

The force will be equipped with aerial, ground, and intelligence capabilities, and will be supported by a centralized coordination system to enhance operational efficiency. The three countries have united in the face of increasing security challenges, particularly from jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, who have destabilized the Sahel region for over a decade.

This joint military effort comes after a series of military coups between 2020 and 2023, which led to the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2024. Following these coups, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have distanced themselves from former colonial power France, expelled French forces, and sought new international alliances, particularly with Russia.

The new force aims to strengthen security across the region and protect civilians from ongoing violence. Minister Mody emphasized the shared security threats faced by the three nations, with the new military initiative seen as a significant step towards regional stability and combating jihadist insurgencies.

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