During their inaugural meeting in Niamey, Niger, the three nations of northwest Africa officially sealed their alliance, thus marking their decision to disassociate themselves from the West African group.
A new military alliance in the Sahel
A new military alliance has emerged in the Sahel. The military regimes in place in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have officially adopted a treaty establishing a confederation between these three countries, called the Confederation of Sahel States (AES). This decision was announced in a statement after a meeting held in Niamey, Niger, on Saturday, July 6.
The leaders of the three countries, all of whom came to power following coups, have decided to strengthen their integration by taking a new step towards closer cooperation among the member states of the alliance.
A split with ECOWAS
In January, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger had already announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which they accuse of being under the influence of France, the former colonial power with which they have severed ties. The creation of the Confederation of Sahel States confirms this break with the West African organization.
General Abdourahamane Tiani, leader of the Nigerien military regime, stated that the peoples of the three countries had definitively turned their backs on ECOWAS. Relations between the AES and ECOWAS deteriorated following the coup that brought General Tiani to power in July 2023. ECOWAS had imposed economic sanctions on Niger and threatened to intervene militarily to restore the ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum. Although the sanctions were lifted in February, tensions persist between the two camps.
ECOWAS will hold a summit of heads of state this Sunday in Abuja, during which the question of relations with the Sahel States Alliance will be discussed.
Article Source: Francetvinfo
Pascal Petibon, born in 1980 in Lyon, is a renowned journalist and author, passionate about information and communication. After earning a degree in journalism from the University of Paris, he quickly joined various editorial teams, where he became known for his sharp analysis and clear writing style.
