In response to escalating extremist violence in the Sahel region, the military juntas of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have announced the formation of a joint force to address growing insecurity. The decision, confirmed by Niger’s defense minister on Wednesday, marks a significant step in the three nations’ ongoing security strategy as they grapple with a surge in attacks by Islamist militants and increasing violence from government forces.
The formation of this joint force comes in the wake of military coups that have led the three countries to sever ties with France, previously a key security partner, and turn to Russian mercenaries for assistance. Despite these efforts, the security situation has deteriorated, with a record number of attacks in the past six months. The United Nations reports that over 3,470 people have been killed in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso during this period, while 2.6 million people have been displaced by the violence.
Since assuming power, the military juntas have distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a long-established regional organization, and established the Alliance of Sahel States in September 2024. This new alliance is viewed by some analysts as an effort to solidify the juntas’ political legitimacy amid international sanctions and strained relations with neighboring countries.
While the joint military force aims to strengthen regional security, the increasing instability in the region presents a complex challenge. Experts suggest that the success of the new force will depend on its ability to effectively address the underlying causes of extremism and to manage the delicate balance between military intervention and civilian protection in the Sahel.
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