Three Sahel Nations Forge Alliance for Regional Security and Stability
Sahel states signed a pact allowing them to work together against the threat of armed rebellion or external aggression.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger sign a mutual defense agreement as the three Sahel countries call for mutual support in the face of possible threats of armed insurgency or external aggression.
The charter signed on Saturday, known as the “Alliance of the Sahel States,” commits the signatories to mutual aid, including military, in the event of an attack against one of them.
“Any attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of one or more contracting parties will be considered aggression against the other party,” says Art. In addition, all three countries must take measures to prevent or contain armed insurgencies.
"I signed today with the heads of state of Burkina Faso and Niger the Liptako-Gourma Charter establishing the Alliance of Sahel States to provide a framework for collective defence and mutual assistance," Malian military leader Assimi Goita said at the X's social account
The Liptako-Gourma region – where the borders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger meet – has been devastated by armed insurgencies in recent years. "This alliance will unite the military and economic efforts of the three countries," Malian Defense Minister Abdoulaye Diop told reporters in Mali's capital Bamako.
Our priority is the fight against terrorism in three countries.
The armed insurgency that broke out in northern Mali in 2012 spread to Niger and Burkina Faso in 2015. In France had to withdraw its troops from Mali and Burkina Faso and found itself in a tense conflict with the military who had taken power in Niger. Mali also asked the United Nations peacekeeping mission, MINUSMA, to leave the country.
Niger's military leaders call on France to withdraw its soldiers and ambassador because France refuses to recognize the new military authority. Meanwhile, hostilities resumed in Mali last week, involving mostly Tuareg armed groups, threatening the 2015 peace deal.
The establishment of the Sahel security alliance between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address security challenges in the Sahel region of West Africa. Here's an elaboration on the key points and implications of this pact:
1. Mutual Defense Pact: The Alliance of Sahel States represents a formal commitment among the three nations to come to each other's aid in the event of an armed attack or external aggression. This pact strengthens their collective security posture and underscores their determination to safeguard their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Any attack on one member will be treated as an attack on all, invoking a collective response.
2. Focus on Security and Stability: The primary objective of this alliance is to enhance security and stability within the Sahel region, which has been plagued by various security challenges, including armed rebellions and terrorism. The pact acknowledges the need to cooperate militarily and economically to counter these threats effectively.
3. Regional Security Context: The Sahel region, where these countries are located, has been a hotspot for armed conflict and insurgencies in recent years. The Liptako-Gourma region, where the three countries' borders converge, has been particularly vulnerable to armed rebellions, making this pact essential for addressing regional security concerns.
4. History of Armed Rebellions: The region has experienced a series of armed rebellions and insurgencies, with the conflict in northern Mali in 2012 spreading to Niger and Burkina Faso in 2015. This pact aims to prevent the recurrence of such conflicts and to facilitate the resolution of any new insurgencies that may arise.
5. Role of France: France has been actively involved in the Sahel, supporting the G5 Sahel joint force along with Chad and Mauritania. However, recent coups in the region, including Mali and Niger, have strained France's relations with these countries. France has also faced pressure to withdraw its troops from the region, which has added complexity to the security dynamics in the Sahel.
6. Impact on Regional Relations: The coup in Niger and the subsequent disagreements over France's role in the region have created tensions between the Sahel countries and their international partners. The alliance's formation may have implications for the ongoing diplomatic and security interactions between these countries and France.
7. Economic Cooperation: In addition to military collaboration, the alliance also highlights the importance of economic cooperation among the three nations. This suggests that they are looking not only to address security challenges but also to promote economic development and regional integration.
8. UN Involvement: Mali's request for the UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSMA) to leave the country is another development in the region's complex security landscape. It underscores the challenges associated with peacekeeping efforts and the fragile security situation in Mali.
9. Tuareg Armed Groups: The resurgence of hostilities by predominantly Tuareg armed groups in Mali adds another layer of complexity to the region's security situation. These groups have been a key factor in previous conflicts and peace negotiations.
The establishment of the Sahel security alliance reflects the growing recognition of the need for regional cooperation to address security challenges in the Sahel region. It underscores the commitment of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to work together on military and economic fronts to promote stability and counter threats to their security. However, the ongoing political, diplomatic, and security complexities in the region make the path forward uncertain, and the success of the alliance will depend on various factors, including international support and the ability to address internal and external challenges effectively.