In a move aimed at enhancing regional security and sovereignty, three West African nations—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—currently under military rule have joined forces by signing a security pact.
This alliance commits them to support one another in the event of rebellion or external aggression, further deepening their cooperation.
These three countries have been grappling with insurgencies linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State while facing strained relations with neighboring nations and international partners due to recent coups.
The most recent coup in Niger has led to tensions between these three nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has threatened to use force to restore constitutional order in Niger.
Under the security pact, any attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of one of the parties will be considered an aggression against all signatory nations.
They pledge to provide assistance individually or collectively, including the use of armed force.
Mali’s junta leader, Assimi Goita, announced the establishment of this security alliance, known as the Alliance of Sahel States, on social media.
This initiative aims to create a framework for collective defense and mutual assistance among the participating nations.
Previously, all three nations were part of the France-supported G5 Sahel alliance joint force, which also included Chad and Mauritania. Launched in 2017, this alliance aimed to combat extremism in the region.
However, Mali withdrew from the organization after a military coup, and Niger’s former President, Mohamed Bazoum, declared the alliance “dead” following Mali’s departure.
Tensions have also risen between France and these three nations since the coups, impacting their relationship.
