West African Sahel Nations Form Alliance to Counter Rebellion And External Threats.

By Caroline Ameh

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, all currently under the control of military juntas, have signed a security pact known as the Alliance of Sahel States. The primary goal of this pact is to strengthen their collective defense capabilities against potential rebellions and external aggression.

Mali’s junta leader, Assimi Goita, confirmed the establishment of the Alliance on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). “I have today signed with the Heads of State of Burkina Faso and Niger the Liptako-Gourma charter establishing the Alliance of Sahel States, with the aim of establishing a collective defense and mutual assistance framework,” he announced.

These three nations have been grappling with the challenge of combating Islamist insurgents affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Additionally, they have faced strained relations with neighboring countries and international partners due to recent coups within their borders.

The most recent coup in Niger further exacerbated tensions in the region and strained relations between the three countries and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc. ECOWAS had previously threatened to use military force to restore constitutional democracy in Niger.

Under the terms of the Alliance of Sahel States, Mali and Burkina Faso have pledged to come to Niger’s aid if it faces an attack. The charter of the pact states that any assault on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of one of the member nations will be regarded as an aggression against all parties involved. This pact allows for individual or collective assistance, including the use of armed force.

This pact marks a significant step towards enhancing the security and stability of the Sahel region, which has been plagued by various security challenges in recent years. It remains to be seen how this alliance will impact the ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and restore democracy in the affected countries.