New version of NATO arrives; tensions rise on the continent

This move is seen as a precaution against a potential French military intervention, reflecting local concerns over renewed foreign involvement, particularly in the context of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) intervention following a failed coup in Benin and France’s role in it.

The Sahel Alliance Forces (AES), comprising 5,000 troops, were officially launched on Saturday at an airbase in Bamako, with the leader of Mali’s junta, General Assimi Goita, in attendance.

The forces bring together troops from all three countries to conduct coordinated operations against extremist groups that have killed thousands and displaced millions across the tri-border region. Burkinabe General Daouda Traore was appointed commander of the unit, which will be based in Niamey, Niger’s capital, and operate with its own air, intelligence, and ground elements for coordination.

Defense ministers from all three countries attended the event, along with ambassadors and international representatives accredited to Mali. The launch of the FU-AES comes after the three countries withdrew from ECOWAS, accusing it of imposing punitive sanctions and undermining their interests following a series of coups.

The FU-AES launch also comes amid heightened tensions with Nigeria, long considered a pillar of security in West Africa. In early December, Nigerian combat aircraft and ground forces intervened in neighboring Benin following an attempted coup against President Patrice Talon, assisting government forces in regaining control.

Shortly thereafter, a Nigerian Air Force C-130 transport plane made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso due to technical issues. Burkinabe authorities initially detained 11 crew members, accusing them of violating airspace; the crew was later released following diplomatic talks.

AES members criticized Nigeria’s intervention as excessive, while Nigerian officials maintained their actions in Benin were requested by Benin’s authorities and aligned with regional security protocols. FU-AES reflects both an urgent security need due to expanding jihadist activities and the alliance’s desire to reduce dependence on ECOWAS-led structures, even amid growing international pressure. The United States recently expanded travel restrictions on countries associated with the Sahel Alliance.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are now under full entry restrictions, including visa suspensions, due to security challenges related to terrorist activity and governance issues. Meanwhile, France seeks to reaffirm its influence in the Sahel by deepening cooperation with ECOWAS members, particularly Nigeria, following an earlier troop withdrawal. This comes amid concerns over uranium sales to Russia and France’s key role in preventing recent coups.