Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have announced the launch of a joint military battalion aimed at fighting armed groups across the Sahel, one of Africa’s poorest and most volatile regions.The initiative was announced at the end of the two-day Alliance of Sahel States (AES) summit in the Malian capital, Bamako, as the three countries struggle to improve the security situation amid rising attacks from separatist groups as well as armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS).Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of listThis was the group’s second summit since its formation in 2023.Here is what you need to know about the summit and whether the joint battalion will help improve the security situation in the three Sahel countries.What was agreed on?They agreed to launch a joint battalion, which is expected to comprise an estimated 5,000 soldiers from the three countries, with a mandate centred on counterterrorism and border security.Burkina Faso leader Ibrahim Traore, who was named the head of the alliance, announced “large-scale” joint operations against armed groups in the coming days.Moreover, the three leaders also jointly launched the AES Television, described in official communications as an instrument to counter disinformation and promote the region’s narrative.A Burkinabe presidency statement said the leaders would review implementation reports, adopt decisions to consolidate achievements and address major challenges facing the bloc.General Omar Tchiani, leader of Niger’s military government, said the AES had “put an end to all occupation forces in our cou …
