Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso to Form Joint Force Against Terrorism

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have agreed to establish a joint military force to combat terrorism in the Sahel region, Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop announced Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference in Moscow after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Diop emphasized that the Alliance of Sahel States (AHS) aims to strengthen security cooperation.

“Our principal objective now is to form a united Sahelian confederation force to tackle the terrorist threat,” Diop stated, highlighting defense, security, diplomacy, and development as the foundation of the alliance.

Diop also accused Ukraine of supporting terrorism in the Sahel, labeling it a “terrorist state” and condemning its alleged role in attacks by Tuareg separatist rebels in Mali.

Lavrov affirmed Russia’s commitment to equipping and assisting the new military force, reiterating Moscow’s readiness to support AHS in security and diplomatic efforts.

The discussions also touched on the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Lavrov expressed Russia’s willingness to mediate relations between the Sahel alliance and ECOWAS.

Meanwhile, Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare announced that Niger will open a Russian embassy in the near future.