Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger launch 5,000-strong joint military force

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have officially launched a joint military force consisting of 5,000 personnel to combat Islamist insurgencies in the region. The force, known as the United Force (FU-AES), was unveiled in Bamako on December 20, 2025, and will be commanded by Brigadier General Daouda Traoré of Burkina Faso. The headquarters for the joint military operation will be located in Niamey, Niger.

This initiative is part of the efforts by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to address ongoing security challenges posed by extremist groups in the Sahel region. The establishment of the United Force aims to enhance cooperation and coordination among the three nations in their fight against terrorism.

For further context on related developments, see recent developments in international security matters.