West African Military States Up Joint Anti-Terrorism Force JATF

Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali are collaborating to establish a joint force aimed at addressing security challenges in the Sahel region plagued by Islamist insurgency. Led by military juntas, the three countries are seeking to bolster security through this joint effort, amidst a backdrop of coups and conflicts with Islamist groups.

They are transitioning away from their previous ties with France towards closer alignment with Russia, including cutting ties with French-led initiatives like the G5 Sahel alliance.

The new anti-terrorism force will be integrated into the recently formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES), although specific details regarding its size remain undisclosed. Additionally, the three nations have recently withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) due to perceived lack of support and sanctions following coups in their respective countries.

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