Sahel: The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) joint force declared operational

Burkina Faso’s Minister of Defense, General Kassoum Coulibaly, has announced that the joint force of the Sahel States Alliance (AES) is now operational. This declaration marks a crucial milestone in regional efforts to combat terrorism and insecurity in the Sahel region.

 “We have already established the joint force. Whenever there is an attack in one of the member countries, we can intervene”, stated General Coulibaly. This joint force enables a rapid and coordinated response to security threats, with unrestricted mobility across member states. “A soldier or a unit from the Burkinabe army can find themselves in Mali or Niger without any formalities”, he added, emphasizing the fluidity and effectiveness of cross-border operations.

The establishment of the AES joint force is the result of close cooperation among the member countries of the alliance, aimed at pooling security efforts and maximizing operational capabilities against armed groups and terrorists operating in the region. This initiative reflects a collective commitment to address security challenges through coordinated actions and shared resources.

The primary goal of this joint force is to enhance the security and stability of AES countries by responding effectively and in a coordinated manner to attacks and threats. By enabling rapid intervention without bureaucratic formalities, the joint force aims to reduce the terrorist threat and protect local populations.

The AES joint force could serve as a model for other regions facing similar security challenges. By facilitating military cooperation and strengthening response capabilities, this initiative demonstrates how collective efforts can improve regional security and promote peace.

Sadia Nyaoré