The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has officially launched its Unified Force, marking a major step toward deeper joint security and defence cooperation among member states amid persistent insecurity in the Sahel.

The multinational force was unveiled on Friday in Bamako during a ceremony presided over by Mali’s President and AES Chairman, Gen. Assimi Goïta.

The AES—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger—was established in 2023 following the withdrawal of its members from ECOWAS and growing dissatisfaction with externally led security interventions.

The alliance aims to pursue a homegrown, collective response to terrorism, armed insurgency and cross-border crime that have destabilized the region for over a decade.

Speaking at the event, AES leaders described the launch as a historic milestone in their collective effort to safeguard the sovereignty, security and independence of the Sahel.

They said the Unified Force reflects solidarity, a shared strategy and strong political will in the face of ongoing security challenges.

Brig.-Gen. Daouda Traoré was named Commander of the Unified Force, which brings together military contingents from member states under a single operational command.

Officials said the force builds on earlier joint operations, notably Operations Yereko I and II, which reportedly recorded significant successes against terrorist groups.

AES leaders reaffirmed that the force underscores the Alliance’s commitment to regional self-reliance in security matters, stressing that the project has moved from concept to reality.

They described the alliance and its joint army as a long-term and irreversible framework aimed at restoring stability, protecting populations and preserving territorial integrity across the Sahel.

At the continental level, the African Union (AU) has taken note of the development, maintaining a cautious but pragmatic stance.

While the AU has not formally endorsed the AES as a bloc, it has consistently supported African-led security solutions and regional cooperation to combat terrorism and violent extremism.