Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Sahel Juntas Face Rising Violence Despite Joint Anti-Jihadist Force
Three military-led countries in Africa are fighting armed extremist groups.
The countries are Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
They created a group called the Alliance of Sahel States and formed a joint military force.
Russian security forces are also supporting their efforts.
However, violence has continued instead of decreasing.
More than 800 violent or terrorist events have been recorded this year.
Niger suffered another serious attack near important government and military sites on August 29.
The conflict is also affecting nearby countries and has left the three governments more isolated internationally.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have formed the Alliance of Sahel States and a joint military force with Russian security support.
More than 800 political violence and terrorist events have been reported across the three countries so far this year.
Jihadist groups control large areas of the central Sahel, which monitoring groups identify as the world’s deadliest terrorism epicentre.
Niger experienced a major August 29 attack near the presidential palace, airport and an air force base, with casualties reported but not specified.
The three countries have left ECOWAS, remain suspended from the African Union and are pursuing withdrawal from the International Criminal Court.
- Who
- The junta-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, the Alliance of Sahel States, jihadist groups and Russian security forces.
- What
- The three countries continue to face widespread political violence and jihadist attacks despite forming a joint military force.
- When
- More than 800 events were reported so far this year; Niger’s latest major assault occurred on August 29, following attacks in January and late June.
- Where
- Across Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, particularly near Niger’s presidential palace, Diori Hamani International Airport and Base 101 air force base.
- Why
- Jihadist groups remain active and control large areas, while the countries’ withdrawal from regional and international institutions has reduced their integration with outside assistance frameworks.
Junta-led governments
Citizens and security monitors
Security strategy
Junta-led governments
The governments have expelled French and Western troops, formed the Alliance of Sahel States and created a joint force with Russian security support to combat jihadists.
Citizens and security monitors
Citizens had hoped the new security strategy would improve safety, but violence remains rampant and jihadist groups still control large areas.
Regional cooperation
Junta-led governments
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have withdrawn from ECOWAS and are pursuing withdrawal from the International Criminal Court.
Citizens and security monitors
Their departures and continued suspension from the African Union have increased their international isolation and left them outside regional assistance frameworks.
Niger attack response
Junta-led governments
Nigerien authorities said normalcy had been restored after the August 29 assault and reported that attackers were killed in earlier attacks.
Citizens and security monitors
The latest clashes caused an unspecified number of casualties, and regional organisations had not issued official communiqués; Algeria was the only African country reported to have publicly condemned the attack.
- Countries involved
- Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger
- Regional alliance
- Alliance of Sahel States (AES)
- Reported violence
- More than 800 political violence and terrorist events across the three countries this year
- Terrorism impact
- Monitoring groups say the central Sahel accounts for more than half of global terrorism-related deaths
- Latest Niger attack
- August 29, near the presidential palace, Diori Hamani International Airport and Base 101 air force base
- Previous Niger casualties
- Authorities reported 20 assailants killed in January and 11 soldiers and 22 attackers killed in June
- International status
- The three countries have withdrawn from ECOWAS, remain suspended from the African Union and are seeking to leave the ICC