Joint Military Force of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to Combat Extremism in the Sahel

Leaders of the military junta’s of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso Photo: @westernpost_ng

January 22, 2025 Hour: 5:33 pm

A joint military force of 5,000 soldiers from Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali will soon be deployed in the central Sahel region, aiming to address the escalating violence caused by extremist groups.

Niger’s Minister of Defense, General Salifou Mody, emphasized that the initiative marks a shift toward regional collaboration, resilience, and autonomy in combating terrorism. “It is only a matter of weeks before this force becomes operational on the ground,” Mody stated, highlighting the progress already made through preliminary joint operations.

The force will be equipped with advanced capabilities, including aerial assets, specialized equipment, and sophisticated intelligence systems. These resources aim to enhance the force’s ability to conduct effective operations across all three member countries.

Three junta-ruled countries in Africa’s Sahel region will join forces to create a 5,000-strong unit to fight the jihadist violence that has for years plagued the nationshttps://t.co/qR46BBHotv
— The Defense Post (@DefensePost) January 22, 2025

The Sahel: Epicenter of Global Terrorism

The Sahel region remains one of the most volatile areas globally, accounting for nearly half of all terrorism-related deaths. Extremist groups linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State have plagued the region for over a decade, leading to widespread violence and instability.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Sahel’s ongoing crisis has displaced approximately 2.6 million people as of December 2024, further exacerbating the region’s humanitarian challenges.

The creation of this joint force by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) seeks not only to combat armed groups but also to reinforce regional sovereignty and autonomy. By pooling resources and coordinating military strategies, the Sahel nations aim to reduce dependency on external actors and take greater control of their security landscape.

Data from Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlights a staggering 400% increase in terrorist attacks across Africa over the last decade. This surge has intensified the humanitarian crisis in the Sahel, with millions displaced and communities struggling under the weight of poverty and violence.

Hope for a Safer Sahel

The joint military initiative underscores a unified approach to addressing the challenges faced by the Sahel region. While the task ahead remains daunting, the collaboration between Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali offers hope for a more secure and autonomous future in a region long plagued by extremism and instability.

This effort signals a crucial step toward regional self-reliance, demonstrating the power of collective action in the face of shared challenges. The international community will be watching closely to gauge the impact of this landmark initiative on the Sahel’s path to peace and stability.