Alliance of Sahel states launches joint strikes in Mali after major attacks

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, executed intense aerial operations in northern Mali in response to coordinated assaults by al-Qaeda-linked militants and Tuareg separatists. The announcement came late Thursday following a cabinet meeting in Niger.

Over the weekend, jihadist factions and their Tuareg allies launched a sweeping offensive, seizing control of the strategic town of Kidal and assassinating Malian Defence Minister Sadio Camara. These developments marked the most severe breach of security in the region in over a decade.

The AES, formed to counter extremist threats, operates a unified military force initially comprising 5,000 troops, later expanded to 15,000 in mid-April. Authorities in Niger issued a statement praising the rapid and robust response of the joint force, which conducted air strikes in Gao, Ménaka and Kidal shortly after the April 25 attacks.

united front against terrorism

In a show of solidarity, crowds in Niamey, the capital of Niger, gathered at the Djado Sekou Cultural Center to support the Malian people. Protesters chanted slogans such as “down with the imperialists,” “down with the terrorists and their backers,” and “long live the AES,” while displaying an image of the slain defence minister.

Effred Mouloul, a spokesperson for the organizing civil society coalition, declared, “To the Malian people, we say: ‘You are not alone. The active forces of Niger and the AES stand by your side with unwavering solidarity.'” He criticized African leaders for failing to demonstrate visible support for Mali and demanded the removal of French military presence from AES member states.

The Malian government has accused foreign powers, particularly France, of orchestrating the weekend attacks. Niger has repeatedly alleged that France seeks to destabilize the region, a claim France has consistently denied. As a precautionary measure, Niger cancelled all May 1st parade events nationwide due to security concerns.

The crisis has further strained regional stability, particularly following the Malian junta’s reliance on Russian paramilitary support, which has intensified tensions with neighboring nations.