Sahel States Form Joint Force to Tackle Extremist Violence

The new security alliance by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso faces skepticism over its effectiveness amid regional instability.

A joint security force announced by the ruling juntas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso aims to combat extremist violence in the Sahel region.
The effectiveness of the joint force is doubted by analysts due to various challenges, including the fragile nature of the regimes and the need for external support.
Niger's top military chief, Brig. Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou, stated the force would be operational as soon as possible to address security challenges.
The formation of this security alliance follows a series of coups in the region, with the countries severing military ties with neighbors and European nations, including France.
Conflict analysts say violence has worsened under the regimes, despite promises to end insurgencies after deposing their respective elected governments.