Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Launch 5,000 Strong Joint Sahel Force

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have formally launched a 5,000-strong unified military force aimed at strengthening regional security and combating the Islamist insurgency affecting large parts of the Sahel.

The new force was unveiled during a ceremony at an air force base in Bamako, presided over by Mali’s military leader, General Assimi Goita. It brings together troops from the three countries, all of which are currently governed by military juntas and face ongoing attacks by extremist groups.

Niger’s Defence Minister said in January that the joint force would be deployed to “intervene together” against shared security threats across the region.

Burkina Faso’s General Daouda Traoré has been appointed commander of the force, which will have its permanent headquarters in Niamey, Niger’s capital. Defence ministers from the three Sahel Alliance states attended the launch ceremony, along with ambassadors and representatives of international organisations accredited to Mali.

The creation of the force follows the decision by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing the regional bloc of imposing what they described as inhumane sanctions linked to military takeovers and acting against the interests of their citizens.

The joint military initiative marks the latest step by the three countries to deepen security and strategic cooperation as they seek to address escalating instability in the Sahel.