West African regional army: Why thousands of soldiers are deploying | Armed Groups News
West African Nations Form Standby Force to Combat Armed Violence
West African nations have decided to activate a regional standby force to address escalating violence from cross-border armed groups. The decision was reached during a security conference of military chiefs from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Sierra Leone last week, as reported by Anadolu News Agency. Experts have characterized the current situation as an “existential security threat,” leading to thousands of fatalities and widespread displacement in the region.
The plan entails the mobilization of an initial 2,000 soldiers by the end of 2026 to confront armed groups that are expanding their operational territory and enhancing their tactics. These groups, linked ideologically to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS), have routinely attacked military installations and civilian communities from Mali to Nigeria. Responses from individual nations have been fragmented.
Particularly hard-hit are the Sahelian countries of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, as well as Nigeria. Armed groups are now pressing into coastal states like Togo and Benin. Historically, these fighters have tended to operate in rural areas with limited government presence; however, recent assaults have occurred in major urban centers, employing increasingly sophisticated weaponry.
In a notable incident, an ISIL-affiliated group targeted the international airport in Niamey, Niger, in January. Additionally, an al-Qaeda-linked faction has been blocking fuel supplies to the Malian capital, Bamako, since September, severely disrupting transportation and essential services.
Experts suggest that the ECOWAS deployment will need to overcome significant challenges, including funding and political infighting. Military-led regimes in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso withdrew from ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in January 2025. Beverly Ochieng, an analyst at the intelligence firm Control Risks, emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive strategy beyond military response, incorporating social interventions to curb the influence of armed groups.
The ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) was established in 1999 but began earlier deployments in the 1990s. It comprises military, police, and civilian personnel contributed by member states. The ESF has played a pivotal role in stabilizing countries in transition and is recognized as Africa’s first successful attempt at a regional security alliance.
Previously known as the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), the force was instrumental in resolving civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone from 1990 to 2003. Unlike typical United Nations peacekeeping missions, ECOMOG engaged in combat. However, its actions drew criticism for alleged human rights violations.
The ESF has previously acted in peacekeeping roles during the Ivorian civil war and the Mali crisis. Recent actions included support for Benin’s military against rebel advances.
As regional leaders plan for this new military mobilization, the focus will be on addressing threats from ideological armed groups rather than political rebels. The rise in violence has resulted in extensive casualties; between January and June 2025, nearly 13,000 conflict-related fatalities were recorded, predominantly in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, according to the Center for Democracy and Development.
Concerns remain about funding and coordination among member states, particularly as Nigeria has historically contributed a significant portion of ECOWAS mission personnel and funding. However, Nigeria’s capacity has been strained due to economic challenges and ongoing conflicts involving multiple armed groups.
Analysts suggest that international support from countries such as the United States or France may be necessary for funding. Additionally, effective coordination will be crucial against at least eight armed groups operating across the region.
The relationship between ECOWAS and the AES poses another hurdle, as the EOS faced fragmentation last year due to imposed sanctions aimed at restoring democratic governance in the AES nations. The AES countries are central to the armed group crisis, sharing borders with numerous factions operating in the region.
The AES has distanced itself from former colonial ally France, and Russian paramilitary forces have gained influence in the region. This rift challenges the prospect of effective collaboration between ECOWAS and the AES.
Despite these challenges, analysts believe that maintaining friendly relations through intermediary nations may facilitate intelligence sharing and joint operations in the long term.
The primary armed groups threatening stability in the region include:
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Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM): The main al-Qaeda-affiliated group operating in Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Niger, with an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 members, known for attacks blocking fuel supplies to Bamako.
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Boko Haram: Originating in Nigeria in 2010, the group has weakened but retains approximately 1,500 fighters, infamous for mass kidnappings, including the 2014 Chibok incident.
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ISIL West Africa Province (ISWAP): A splinter group of Boko Haram, it operates predominantly in northeastern Nigeria and is estimated to have 3,500 to 5,000 fighters.
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ISIL Sahel Province: Formed in 2015, this group operates mainly in Niger and Mali and claimed responsibility for recent attacks on urban centers.
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Lakurawa: Comprising recruits from Mali, with about 1,000 fighters, this group emerged in northern Nigeria’s Kebbi State.
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Ansaru: Another Boko Haram offshoot, currently linked to al-Qaeda, operating in northern Nigeria and known for high-profile kidnappings. Its membership is estimated at 2,000 to 3,000.
As ECOWAS aims to mobilize its forces, the interplay of these dynamics will be critical in determining the effectiveness of its response to the ongoing threats in West Africa.
