The Sahel region has seen a significant development in the fight against extremism as the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, announced plans for large-scale operations. Following the launch of a joint military battalion, the alliance’s new head, Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, emphasized the need for substantial action in the coming days to combat the deadly extremist groups plaguing the region.
The Sahel region, which spans across southern Sahara, has become a hotspot for extremism, with armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group wreaking havoc. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have been the most affected countries, experiencing coups in recent years and struggling to maintain security due to overstretched forces. The alliance, formed in 2023, aims to boost security and economic ties among its member states.
In a recent summit, the countries’ leaders agreed to enhance cooperation, just days after the joint battalion’s launch. The battalion, expected to have 5,000 personnel, is designed to fight against the armed groups. Niger’s junta leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, noted that the alliance has ended all occupation forces in their countries, referring to the decision to expel longtime partners France and the United States. However, the countries have since turned to Russia as a major security ally.
Experts warn that the Sahel’s complex security crisis will be challenging to defeat, regardless of the parties involved. Rida Lyammouri, a Sahel specialist, emphasized the difficulties in addressing the region’s security issues. Despite these challenges, the alliance’s growing collaboration among member states is a significant development, especially given the fractured relations and coup-related sanctions from global partners.
The second annual summit of the Alliance of Sahel States demonstrates the countries’ commitment to deepening cooperation beyond cross-border military operations. According to Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the alliance enjoys popularity among citizens and is working to maintain momentum by enhancing cooperation in various areas. As the region continues to grapple with extremism, the alliance’s efforts will be closely watched, with the success of the joint battalion and upcoming operations being crucial in determining the future of the Sahel region’s security.
