In a significant development, three West African countries—Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—have declared their intention to form a joint force to combat the escalating jihadist threats in the region. This move comes as a response to the rising violence perpetrated by groups affiliated with both Islamic State and al-Qaeda, leading to the deaths of thousands of people over the past year.
Formation Announcement in Niamey
The decision to create this joint force was announced following talks held in the Nigerien capital, Niamey. Moussa Salaou Barmou, the army chief of Niger, revealed that the force aims to become operational as swiftly as possible. However, specific details regarding its size and structure were not disclosed during the announcement.
Growing Alliance among Military Juntas
The military regimes in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have been forging increasingly close alliances in recent months. Last September, they formalized a mutual defense pact called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This pact marked their withdrawal from the international force, G5, originally established to counter Islamist threats in the region.
Escalating Violence Despite Promises
Despite assurances from the military governments to address the decade-long conflict with jihadist groups, violence in West Africa’s Sahel region has intensified in recent years. The formation of this joint force underscores the urgent need for a coordinated effort to tackle the persistent security challenges that have plagued the region.
Severing Ties with Former Colonial Power
Notably, the three countries have severed ties with France, their former colonial power, which had maintained a robust military presence across the Sahel for years. This move reflects a shift in geopolitical dynamics and a desire for greater autonomy in addressing regional security concerns.
Withdrawal from International Bodies
In a further display of their autonomy, the three countries have withdrawn from the West African economic bloc Ecowas. Additionally, Mali’s leaders have ordered the UN peacekeeping mission, Minusma, which had been in place for over a decade, to withdraw “without delay.” The mission successfully completed its exit in December.
Conclusion
The formation of this joint military force signifies a proactive response by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to the escalating jihadist threats in West Africa. As these countries strengthen their alliance and pursue greater autonomy, the effectiveness of their collaborative efforts remains to be seen. The international community will be closely watching developments in the Sahel region, hoping for stability and peace to prevail amid the complex geopolitical landscape.
Subscribe to Follow Global Trends for daily global news.To Advertise, send a mail to advertise@followglobaltrends.com