According to a report, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have announced they will form a joint force to fight jihadist threats, as groups linked to isis and al-qaeda have killed thousands over the past year. A battle between east and west ensued until the countries severed their relationship with France, a strong military presence in the Sahel for eight years, whom some thought were exploitive. According to the report, minusma, the u.n. in Mali also left in December and Russia have taken over, though according to data the situation hasn’t improved.
Reportedly, the countries have left ecowas who imposed but have since lifted sanctions, in favour of dialogue.