A New Political and Military Alliance in the Sahel

This article discusses the establishment of a new political and military alliance among Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, known as the Liptako-Gourma Treaty, signed on September 16, 2023. The alliance, formed in response to common threats from radical Islamic Jihad groups and potential military intervention from ECOWAS, aims to bolster collective defense and assistance in the Sahel region. The article delves into the geographical and strategic significance of the Liptako-Gourma area, highlighting its vulnerability to extremist groups like Katiba Macina, Ansarul Islam, and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. An emphasis is placed on the challenges faced by the alliance, such as the need for improved military capabilities, funding difficulties, and the absence of a unified command structure. He also critically examines the potential role of external forces like the Wagner Group and compares this alliance with previous efforts like the G5 Sahel. The article concludes by questioning the effectiveness and future prospects of this new Sahel alliance in combating regional insecurity and terrorism.