In an historic trajectory that signals a significant realignment of political alliances in West Africa, the military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have announced the formation of a new confederation.
The landmark treaty establishing the “Confederation of Sahel States” (AES) was signed on Saturday during the first summit of these nations’ leaders in Niamey, Niger, following their collective decision to sever ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The newly formed AES will encompass a population of approximately 72 million people, marking a bold step toward deeper integration and cooperation among the member states.
The decision to create this confederation comes after the three nations, each led by military regimes that came to power through coups in recent years, accused ECOWAS of being manipulated by France, their former colonial ruler.
In a joint statement released at the conclusion of the summit, the leaders emphasized their commitment to strengthening ties and fostering unity within the region.
“We have decided to take a step further towards greater integration between our states,” the statement read. “The adoption of this treaty establishing a confederation is a testament to our dedication to a unified and prosperous Sahel region.”
This move marks a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of West Africa. The leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have all distanced themselves from France, severing military and defense links, and have instead sought to bolster cooperation with Russia.
This pivot towards Russia reflects a broader trend of increasing skepticism towards Western influence in the region and a desire for more diversified international partnerships.
The creation of the AES follows months of escalating tensions between these nations and ECOWAS. In January, the three countries announced their decision to leave ECOWAS, citing concerns over the bloc’s alignment with French interests.
This decision was a clear signal of their intent to pursue an independent path free from what they perceive as neocolonial influences.
The formation of the Confederation of Sahel States is seen by many analysts as a strategic move to consolidate power and resources in a region that has been plagued by instability and conflicts.
By uniting their efforts, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger aim to address common challenges such as terrorism, economic underdevelopment, and political instability which have been bitting on the larger population of this region for years without any succor to cushion the pains of the region.
As the world watches this unprecedented development, the leaders of the AES have expressed their hope that this new confederation will usher in an era of peace, stability, and prosperity for the Sahel region.
