Burkina-Faso: The AES unified force, the endogenous initiative of the three Heads of State against terrorism
Initiatives are multiplying within the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), in line with the joint commitments made by the three Heads of State: to eradicate terrorism from the region, to foster economic development, and to promote better integration of their peoples. In this context, the Committee of Chiefs of Defense Staff, meeting in Ouagadougou, welcomed the guidance and directives given regarding the establishment of the AES Unified Force, following an audience with the Burkinabe president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
This represents a major strategic step forward in the fight against terrorism—a unified force composed of 5,000 troops, equipped with land, air, and intelligence resources to counter the terrorist threat in the three countries. The AES Unified Force stands as a collective response by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to the security, geopolitical, and political challenges they face.
This new force, born from the shared will of the three Heads of State—Captain Ibrahim Traoré, General Assimi Goïta, and General Abdourahamane Tiani—is an indigenous initiative in response to the ongoing security crisis.
Moreover, the AES Unified Force reinforces the gains made through previous joint operations carried out by the three states in the tri-border area, where terrorist threats remain active. It is, therefore, an added value to their shared commitment to reclaim full control over their national territories.
It should be noted that beyond its security dimension, the AES Unified Force also integrates an economic development component, aimed at addressing the root causes of violent extremism and insecurity within the Confederation of Sahel States.
