Sahel states unite to create joint force against jihadist threat

Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, three former French colonies in Africa's Sahel region that experienced military coups from 2020 to 2023, are forming a 5,000-strong "unified force" to combat jihadist violence, officials announced on Tuesday. Niger's Defense Minister Salifou Mody confirmed the imminent readiness of the force, equipped with aerial, ground, and intelligence capabilities, during a televised interview. This collaboration follows the nations' 2022 establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), distancing themselves from France.