Formation of Joint Military Force by Military Juntas of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso – Sky Bulletin
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The military leaderships of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which currently govern after recent coups, have announced the inception of a unified security force. This collaboration aims to address the escalating extremist conflict within the Sahel region, where each of these nations is situated. Notwithstanding the initiative, experts expressed reservations on Thursday regarding its potential success, pointing out several impediments that might undercut its efficacy.
Citing the urgent need to tackle the regional security challenges, Brig. Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou of Niger communicated the decision following a meeting with fellow military leaders on Wednesday. He emphasized the rapid deployment of this coalition as a priority.
Since the occurrence of a series of coups, the most recent one in Niger in July of the previous year, there has been a pivot towards a more autonomous approach in regional politics. This has involved establishing a security alliance independent of former international and regional allies, including a detachment from European nations such as France and an alignment with Russia, which has a pre-existing presence in parts of the Sahel.
Details on how this joint force will operate remain sparse; Brig. Gen. Barmou described it only as an “operational concept” poised to accomplish their defense and security missions.
Despite the military juntas’ vows to eliminate insurgencies following the ousting of their elected governments, conflict analysts convey that instability has intensified. With shared borders in the conflict-ridden Sahel area and their armed forces already thin due to ongoing jihadi violence, the challenge is formidable.
According to Bedr Issa, an independent analyst specializing in Sahel conflict, the success of the security partnership depends not solely on internal resource management but also on external backing. Furthermore, James Barnett of the U.S.-based Hudson Institute, who centers his research around West Africa, comments on the inherent instability of the regimes, which could undermine cooperative efforts.
“They’ve come to power through coups, and they face the constant threat of similar overthrows, complicating efforts to build a robust security structure on such an unstable foundation,” Barnett explains.
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With valuable input from Associated Press writer Chinedu Asadu in Abuja, Nigeria.
FAQ Section
What is the main objective of the joint force created by the militaries of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso?
The main objective is to combat the escalating extremist violence in the Sahel region, where these countries share borders and face significant security challenges.
What are the challenges faced by the newly announced joint force?
The joint force faces challenges such as lack of detailed operational plans, the fragility of the ruling juntas that are susceptible to coups, and the need for external support to bolster their efforts effectively.
What has changed in the Sahel region’s international alliances?
The countries of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have distanced themselves from some of their previous allies, such as France and other European nations. They have instead sought support from Russia.
Has violence in the region decreased since the military took power?
No, contrary to the military juntas’ promises to quell the insurgencies, the situation has reportedly worsened.
Conclusion
The establishment of a joint military force by the governing juntas of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso marks a significant development in the Sahel’s geopolitical landscape. This tripartite endeavor reflects a strategic shift towards localized control over security affairs, one necessitated by the growing unrest threatening the region. Nevertheless, the success of such an alliance rests on precarious grounds, given the historical instability of the regimes involved and their reliance on external aid to fortify their collaborative efforts. As the Sahel continues to navigate through the tumultuous waters of political upheaval and security crises, the effectiveness of this new military alliance remains to be closely observed and rigorously assessed.
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