Mali Burkina Niger launch joint military force against jihadists

The Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—collectively known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—are governed by military juntas that seized power through coups between 2020 and 2023. These regimes advocate a sovereignist agenda and have distanced themselves from Western influence.

High-level summit in Bamako to discuss joint security efforts

On Monday, Malian leader Assimi Goïta hosted his Nigerien counterpart, General Abdourahamane Tiani, in Bamako. The head of the Burkinabé junta, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, was scheduled to arrive the following day, according to Malian officials, for the second day of deliberations.

The primary focus of the meeting is advancing plans for a joint military force to counter the growing threat of jihadist groups across the region. On Saturday, Goïta presented a standard to the AES Unified Force (FU-AES), marking its formal activation—though its operational status remains symbolic for now. No timeline for full deployment has been disclosed.

Regional security challenges fuel cooperation

For over a decade, these nations have faced relentless attacks by affiliates of Al-Qaida and the Islamic State, struggling to regain control. Recent offensives by jihadists have pushed deeper into southern Mali, crippling the landlocked nation’s economy through targeted strikes. Meanwhile, Burkina Faso and Niger continue to grapple with insurgencies that displace thousands of civilians daily.

A defense ministry official told AFP, «We’ve allocated the necessary resources. Each country has contributed troops and equipment. We will stand together in the field.»

Economic and media initiatives alongside defense

Beyond security, the summit aims to formalize plans for a shared development bank headquartered in Bamako. Additionally, Goïta and Tiani inaugurated studios for Télévision AES, though its launch date remains unannounced.

The AES nations have pivoted away from former colonial power France and the ECOWAS bloc, forging new alliances—most notably with Russia—to bolster their strategic independence.