The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has announced the creation of a joint military force to respond to what it describes as a major offensive by jihadist and separatist armed groups in the region.
The announcement was made on Dec. 23 during the second AES summit on security and development, held in Bamako, Mali. The meeting was attended by the leaders of the three member states: Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, General Assimi Goïta of Mali, and General Abdourahamane Tchiani of Niger.
The new force, officially named the United Force of the Alliance of Sahel States, will consist of some 5,000 soldiers. It will operate under a unified command structure, with its headquarters based in Niamey, Niger. Burkinabé General Daouda Traoré has been appointed commander of the force, reports the North Africa Post.
