Sahel: The Unified Force of the AES Facing the Jihadist Escalation of March 2026
Marie DuboisThe first quarter of 2026 marks a new critical phase in the Sahel security crisis, as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) deploys its newly created Unified Force in response to a dramatic resurgence of terrorist attacks.
The AES Unified Force, officially inaugurated in December 2025 in Bamako, represents the culmination of a year of intensive preparation. Composed of approximately 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, this force, under the command of Burkinabè General Daouda Traoré and based in Niamey, embodies the ambition of the three military juntas to replace their own collective defense mechanisms with traditional regional structures.
The Unified Force of the Sahel Alliance deployed approximately 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers in Niamey during the first quarter of 2026 to counter a surge in terrorist attacks. This force, inaugurated in December 2025, includes troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and is commanded by General Daouda Traoré.
- The Unified Force of the Sahel Alliance was officially inaugurated in December 2025.
- The force consists of approximately 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
- The deployment is a response to a significant increase in terrorist attacks in the Sahel region.
- The force is commanded by General Daouda Traoré from Burkina Faso.
- The base of operations is located in Niamey.