In light of evolving geopolitical shifts in the African Sahel, a new bloc has formed with the intent to move away from the protective umbrella of French influence and to counter any foreign intervention.
Three nations, all governed by military regimes after coups — Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso — have declared the establishment of the “Sahel Nations Alliance”. This entity aims to serve as a collective defense structure and foster mutual assistance among its members. The proclamation of this alliance was made by Mali’s transitional leader, Assimi Goïta, on Saturday. Goïta, along with his counterparts from Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Traoré, and Niger, Abdulrahman Chiani, signed the foundational charter.
In a post on the platform “X” (formerly Twitter), Goïta stated, “Today, along with the leaders of Burkina Faso and Niger, I signed the ‘Liptako-Gourma’ charter to establish the Sahel Nations Alliance. The purpose is to set up a structure for collective defense and mutual assistance for the benefit of our people.”
Both Mali and Burkina Faso had earlier cautioned the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) about the potential peril of any military intrusion in Niger. They emphasized that any military action against Niger would be tantamount to a “declaration of war” on the two countries.
The ECOWAS encompasses seven other countries, including Ivory Coast, Togo, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, and Cape Verde.
Military Capacities of the Three Nations
Recent statistics provided by military analysis websites suggest that Niger’s army totals fewer than 20,000 troops, with only 6,000 of them being the most combat-capable. Niger’s military faces a significant shortage of armored combat vehicles, and its air force consists of no more than 20 aircraft, most of which are outdated.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso’s army is ranked 121st globally, 26th in Africa, and fifth among the ECOWAS member states.
Mali’s army stands third among the ECOWAS countries, 110th globally, and 21st in the African continent.
