West African countries have agreed to create a new 2,000-member military force to fight terrorism across the region. The decision was made by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a group of 12 countries that has long discussed forming such a force.
The Sahel region — stretching across Africa just south of the Sahara Desert — has been hit hard by armed groups linked to Al-Qaeda and other extremist organisations. Violence has been especially severe in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. However, these three countries recently left ECOWAS and will not officially take part in the new force.
Military leaders described the regional security situation as “worrying,” pointing to rising terrorism, organised crime, and maritime insecurity. The new force will have about 2,000 soldiers at the start, with each country contributing troops. The soldiers will stay based in their home countries, while Sierra Leone will act as a logistical hub.
Funding details are still being discussed. Even though Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formed their own alliance, ECOWAS officials say they hope those countries will still cooperate in the fight against terrorism, since they are at the centre of the crisis.
Source: TRT Africa
