#FirstpostAfrica: Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have established the United Force of the Alliance of Sahel States, modelled after NATO, to combat Islamist insurgency and terrorism. Launched at an air base in Bamako, the alliance comprises 5,000 troops and will utilize combined air power, intelligence sharing, and coordinated ground operations. Commanded by Burkinabe General Daouda Traore, its headquarters is in Niamey, Niger. The alliance aims to assert control over regional security, criticizin

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, united as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have taken bold steps to assert their independence from colonial and neo-colonial influences. After ending colonial tax payments to France, they introduced a 0.5% levy on imports from ECOWAS member states, called the "Confederal Levy." This levy aims to fund AES operations and promote self-reliance, with exemptions for goods produced within the bloc, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic shipments. The AES, initially formed