Sahel / Anti-terrorism alliance of Sahelian countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger united against the terrorist threat

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formed an Anti-terrorism alliance. Indeed, they have renewed their commitment in order to closely collaborate in addressing the terrorist threat along their shared borders. This decision was made during a meeting that brought together the foreign ministers of the three countries on August 24, 2023, in Niamey, the capital of Niger.

Olivia Rouamba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso, and Abdoulaye Diop, her Malian counterpart, visited their Nigerien counterpart, Bakary Yaou Sangaré, to discuss regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

This meeting also facilitated working sessions and fruitful exchanges with Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Lamine Zeine, as reported by Télé Sahel.

President Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger, through an ordinance, authorized the armed forces of Burkina Faso and Mali to intervene on Nigerien territory in case of aggression, thereby underscoring the determination of these countries to jointly combat the scourge of terrorism.

In a joint statement issued at the end of the meeting, the three countries announced several important commitments:

Strengthening cooperation across various domains

The countries pledged to enhance their collaboration in various sectors, based on open partnerships. This initiative aims to promote the economic and social development of the region, thereby enhancing stability.

Pooling efforts in the fight against terrorism

In the face of the persistent terrorism threat, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have agreed to coordinate their actions to more effectively combat terrorist groups operating along their common borders.

This pooling of efforts will include intelligence sharing, joint operations, and other measures to eradicate this threat.

The decision of these three countries to create an anti-terrorism alliance to combat terrorism is of significant importance, not only for the stability of the region but also for international security.

The terrorist threat in the Sahelian region has become a major issue, and this enhanced cooperation demonstrates the determination of these countries to work together to put an end to this threat and its devastating consequences.

Neil Camara