Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have unveiled plans to deploy a unified military force of 5,000 personnel in a coordinated effort to tackle increasing security threats across their borders. The announcement was made by Niger’s Defense Minister, General Salifou Mody, who highlighted the urgency of this move in a region facing mounting instability.
The force, which will be operational in the coming weeks, will include a range of aerial, ground, and intelligence capabilities, alongside a specialized coordination system designed to enhance operational efficiency. General Mody confirmed that the joint force, which is nearing readiness, will be a key part of the three nations’ ongoing efforts to ensure security in their vast and volatile border regions.
While joint operations between the three countries have been underway for some time, this new initiative formalizes their cooperation and significantly amplifies their response to the growing security challenges. “This unified force of 5,000 troops will now be able to operate together, strengthening our collective security measures,” General Mody stated during a recent interview.
The announcement of this new military force comes as the three countries prepare to formally exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on January 29, 2025, following a year-long notice period. The withdrawal, which the leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have described as “irreversible,” marks a significant shift in the region’s diplomatic landscape as the three nations seek greater autonomy in managing their security concerns.
As the AES members strengthen their security cooperation, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has appointed retired military officer Larry Gbevlo-Lartey as Special Envoy to the Sahel States Alliance. Gbevlo-Lartey, former national security coordinator of Ghana, will focus on advancing regional security collaboration as the AES countries continue to navigate their future outside of ECOWAS.
The deployment of the unified military force and the strategic realignment of regional alliances highlight the growing complexity of security issues in the Sahel region and the broader West African landscape.