Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger launch Sahel regional force
## Unified Force Creation for Sahel Countries
Unified Force Creation for Sahel Countries
On Tue, Oct 10, 2023, at an airforce base in Bamako, Mali, General Assimi Goita presided over a ceremony to mark the establishment of a unified force for the Sahel countries. This move is part of ongoing efforts by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to achieve closer integration.
The three nations, currently led by juntas, are facing challenges from an Islamist insurgency. In January, Niger's defense minister announced that the unified force, comprising 5000 personnel, would intervene together to address security threats in the region.
Burkinabe General Daouda Traoré has been appointed to lead the force, which will have its command base in Niamey, the capital of Niger.
On Tue, Oct 10, 2023, at an airforce base in Bamako, Mali, General Assimi Goita presided over a ceremony to mark the establishment of a unified force for the Sahel countries.
The ceremony in Bamako was attended by defense ministers from the Sahel Alliance member states, as well as ambassadors and representatives of international organizations accredited to Mali.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formed the Sahel Alliance following their withdrawal from ECOWAS. The alliance cites concerns regarding inhumane, coup-related sanctions and actions perceived as contrary to the interests of citizens in its member countries.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
