"Three African Nations Unite in Sahel Security Agreement"

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, three West African Sahel nations ruled by military juntas, have signed a security pact called the Alliance of Sahel States. The pact aims to provide mutual assistance and collective defense in the face of rebellion or external aggression. The countries, struggling with Islamic insurgents and strained relations with neighbors and international partners due to coups, have vowed to come to each other's aid if attacked. The signing of the pact comes as relations between France and the three states have soured since the coups, leading to the withdrawal of French troops and a tense standoff with the junta in Niger.