Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to Launch Unified Military Force Against Terrorism with 5,000 Officers

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has announced plans to deploy a unified military force of 5,000 troops to tackle escalating terrorist threats in the region. The decision marks a significant step in their collective efforts to enhance security and stability across their shared borders.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Niger’s Defense Minister, General Salifou Mody, during an interview with Niger’s public broadcaster. General Mody emphasized the urgency of coordinated security operations, stating that the unified force is “practically ready” and will become operational within weeks.

The new military force will integrate aerial, ground, and intelligence capabilities with a dedicated coordination system, enabling the three nations to respond more effectively to the persistent terrorist attacks plaguing their territories. Joint operations between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are already underway in high-risk areas, but this initiative will formalize and intensify their collaboration.

“In this shared space, our forces will now be able to intervene together,” General Mody explained. The alliance seeks to strengthen its collective response to the terrorist groups that exploit the vast, porous borders of the Sahel region.

The decision underscores the increasing need for regional solutions to security challenges in the Sahel, a region that has seen a rise in insurgent activities linked to groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS.

Withdrawal from ECOWAS

The announcement comes as the three AES countries prepare to finalize their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc of 15 member states. Their withdrawal, described by their leaders as “irreversible,” will become official on January 29, following the one-year notice period required under ECOWAS regulations.

The exit reflects growing tensions between the AES nations and ECOWAS, particularly over disagreements regarding governance and security policies. The formation of the unified military force is seen as a direct response to the perceived inadequacies of ECOWAS in addressing the security needs of the Sahel region.

Ghana’s Diplomatic Engagement

Amid these developments, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Larry Gbevlo-Lartey as Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States. Gbevlo-Lartey, a retired military officer and former national security coordinator of Ghana, is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering regional security and cooperation.

His appointment signals Ghana’s commitment to engaging with the AES, even as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso prepare to sever ties with ECOWAS. Analysts suggest that Ghana’s move reflects a broader recognition of the importance of addressing the Sahel’s security challenges through alternative frameworks.

The Sahel region has become a hotbed of insecurity in recent years, with terrorist groups exploiting weak governance and porous borders to carry out attacks. The violence has displaced millions and destabilized communities, prompting calls for stronger regional responses.

The AES’s unified military force represents a bold attempt to counter these threats through enhanced coordination and resource-sharing. However, challenges remain, including funding, logistics, and the need for sustained political commitment.

As the January 29 deadline for their withdrawal from ECOWAS approaches, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are charting a new course for regional security. The deployment of the 5,000-strong military force marks a significant shift in their approach to countering terrorism, emphasizing self-reliance and regional cooperation.

While the success of the initiative remains to be seen, it highlights the growing recognition among Sahel states that collective action is essential to addressing the complex security challenges they face. The coming weeks will reveal how effectively the unified force can operate and whether it can deliver the stability the region so desperately needs.