West African countries are intensifying diplomatic efforts to restore security cooperation with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger as expanding jihadist activity raises concerns over regional stability. Coastal states, including Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Mauritania, are seeking closer coordination with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to improve intelligence sharing and prevent cross-border attacks.
The renewed engagement follows a series of high-profile militant operations, including an April offensive by al-Qaeda-linked Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) in northern Mali and a rare attack on Niger’s international airport in June. Regional governments increasingly view coordinated intelligence and military cooperation as the most effective response to the growing reach of JNIM and Islamic State Sahel Province.
The deteriorating security situation has also strengthened the diplomatic position of the AES governments despite their previous isolation. After limited progress in building a unified military alliance, the three countries have adopted a more pragmatic approach toward regional cooperation. In June, AES foreign ministers signaled interest in developing a security framework with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), while discussions reportedly included joint border patrols, cross-border pursuit mechanisms, unified command centers and real-time surveillance using drones and satellites.
Benin has become one of the strongest supporters of renewed dialogue with the AES, driven by increasing cross-border attacks from Burkina Faso and Niger as well as economic interests linked to trade and the Niger-Benin oil pipeline. Senegal and Mauritania have also stepped up contacts with the Sahel bloc amid concerns that militant groups could expand into their territories. Côte d’Ivoire has indicated it is open to greater security cooperation, although formal military ties remain limited.
The AES was originally established as a regional security alliance, but recent militant offensives exposed weaknesses in its military coordination and increased pressure for broader regional collaboration.
If current diplomatic efforts continue, West African governments are likely to expand intelligence sharing and border security cooperation. While full military integration remains uncertain, closer coordination could become an increasingly important element of the regional response to the expanding jihadist threat.
