A joint force of 5,000 troops from military-led neighbours Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali will soon deploy in their troubled central Sahel region, Niger's defence chief said on state television.

By Maxwell Akalaare Adombila ACCRA (Reuters) -Ghana President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday appointed a former national security chief as envoy to a new alliance formed by Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso,

Three junta-ruled countries in Africa's Sahel region will join forces to create a 5,000-strong unit to fight the jihadist violence that has for years plagued the nations.

A security expert, Emmanuel Kwesi Aning, says Ghana rsquo;s appointment of Larry Gbevlo Lartey to work with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) shows the country wants better ties with the military-led nations in the region .

Three junta-ruled countries in Africa's Sahel region will join forces to create a 5,000-strong unit to fight the jihadist violence that has for years plagued the nations, officials said on Tuesday.

Four Moroccan truck drivers were kidnapped over the weekend in West Africa and released in Niger. They were transporting electrical equipment on a dangerous route affected by militant activity in the Sahel.

From the Sahel ECOWAS impasse to the expected disruption coming with US President Donald Trump’s second term, economist Charlie Robertson reads the runes for 2025.

Paul Nantulya, a China analyst at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in Washington, noted that China has recently become bolder in taking advantage of the French vacuum by delivering batches of high-end security equipment to Sahel countries over the last 15 months.

CASABLANCA, Morocco -- Four Moroccan truck drivers who were kidnapped in West Africa over the weekend were released in Niger, officials said.

Before you hop on that camel trek, take time to understand the nomadic cultures of the Sahel. These communities hold a deep heritage in storytelling, music, and art that reflects their connection to the land. Connect with local guides or cultural exchange programs to learn about their way of life and ensure your journey is respectful.

Sahel juntas -- Mali’s Assimi Goita, Niger’s Abdourahamane Tiani and Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traore -- are tightening controls in their mining sectors. Junta-led governments in the Sahel region are tightening controls in their mining sectors, seeking to upend what they call traditional exploitation by foreign firms.

Ghana has recognized the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS), a regional bloc formed by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to address shared security concerns, promote economic development, and enhance cooperation among member states .