The defence ministers and chiefs of staff of the G5 Sahel countries have held an extraordinary meeting in Niamey charter a “new strategy” for the anti-jihadist force after Mali withdrew in May, reported AFP.

The one-day meeting was aimed to “discuss the new configuration” of the joint force after “the withdrawal from Mali” and the “departure of Barkhane” from that country, according to the final communiqué.

“This situation requires us to adopt new strategies to fight effectively against armed terrorist groups in the common space,” the text said.

The G5 Sahel is a joint military force that until May, included Niger, Burkina, Mauritania, Chad and Mali.