Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, member countries of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), also known as the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS), are preparing to operationalize a joint force of 5,000 men in the coming weeks. This initiative aims to strengthen the fight against terrorism in the AES area.
The announcement was made Tuesday evening by the Nigerien Minister of National Defense, General Salifou Modi, during an intervention on national television RTN. According to his statements, this joint force will be equipped with air, land and intelligence resources, allowing it to intervene throughout the territory of the AES member countries.
These forces, equipped with their own aviation, equipment and intelligence, will operate in all three countries of the AES, protecting the region from the terrorist threat.
The concept was first proposed by West African defence chiefs on Thursday, June 27 to fight the region’s worsening security crises.
At the time, the plan, which will cost $2.6 billion annually, was proposed to heads of state at a meeting of defense officials in Nigeria’s capital of Abuja. The plan was also aimed at preventing further coups following a string of military takeovers that have destabilized the region, Nigeria’s Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru said.
The action plan, developed by military experts from the three countries and presented to the AES President, Mali’s General Assimi Goita, aims to coordinate counter-terrorism efforts, strengthen cross-border cooperation and protect civilian populations.
The AES leaders stressed the urgency of the situation, marked by the increase in terrorist attacks and the deterioration of the living conditions of the population.
According to General Moussa Salaoua Barmou, Chief of General Staff of the Nigerien Armed Forces, the upcoming military operations will be conducted in a concerted and coordinated manner, to maximize their impact.
