**An Anti-Jihadist Coalition in the Sahel: Between Security Challenges and Opportunities**
In a context marked by the rise of jihadist violence, the Sahel countries – Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali – are adopting a bold and unprecedented strategy: the creation of a unified force of 5,000 men intended to combat the growing instability affecting them. This project, recently announced by the Nigerien authorities, is the result of a collective reflection on the need for increased collaboration, in a security landscape that has become worrying.
### The Roots of a Security Crisis
The origin of this initiative cannot be dissociated from the historical context of the coups d’état that occurred between 2020 and 2023 in these countries, periods when civilian governments were overthrown in favor of military regimes. These political changes were, in part, fueled by the inability of local authorities to ensure the security of populations in the face of terrorism. Attacks fueled by groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have intensified, devastating not only human lives, but also the economy and social structure of the Sahel countries.
To illustrate this phenomenon, we can look at the statistics. According to a report by the International Crisis Group, more than 10,000 deaths were recorded due to terrorism in the region in 2022, a figure that continues to rise. This alarming observation requires a collective and proactive response from the nations concerned.
### An Unexpected Ally: Regional Synergy
This unified force project is part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), founded with the intention of responding to similar threats. This phenomenon of cooperation, although encouraging, also represents a paradox. In a world where sovereignty and nationalist independence predominate in political discourse, these nations, formerly under French colonial rule, are taking a step forward by uniting for a common goal, while deliberately distancing themselves from the former colonial powers.
This initiative is not only strategic, but also symbolic. It marks an undeniable desire of the Sahel states to no longer depend on Western powers that, in the past, have often conducted military operations with mixed results. The latest French offensive, Operation Barkhane, although initially perceived as a salutary aid, resulted in a resurgence of terrorist attacks, culminating in the expulsion of French troops by the new military administrations. This renewal of cooperation between Sahel countries could pave the way for a renewed model of military intervention on the African continent, a pragmatic and decentralized approach.
### Social and Economic Impacts
The creation of this joint force could well have consequences well beyond the security domain. Defense cooperation between these countries could also strengthen regional integration, leading to positive economic spillovers. By securing roads and establishing relative peace, these nations could foster intra-regional trade, which is essential in regions where local economies are suffering cruelly from instability.
Furthermore, the model of military and economic support for these countries should be questioned. For this coalition to be truly effective, it will also be necessary to combine efforts in development, governance, and education. Security threats are intrinsically linked to social problems such as poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education. Sahel countries must therefore consider a holistic approach to combat not only armed extremist groups, but also the roots of the evil that feed them.
### Conclusion: An Uncertain, but Potentially Promising Future
The creation of this joint force within the AES represents a decisive step forward for the Sahel, but it must be viewed with caution. The challenge is immense and the stakes are crucial both in terms of security and socio-political issues. Nevertheless, this approach could go well beyond a simple response to immediate threats. If accompanied by clear commitments in terms of development and governance, it could mark a turning point in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel, and transform this dynamic of cooperation into a model for other regions of Africa facing similar challenges. The road to peace is long, but it is possible, provided that we travel it together and in an integrated manner.