Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso establish new ‘Sahel Alliance’
By Nathan Morley
Leaders of the military regimes in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have proclaimed a confederation of three Sahel states.
The trio, at their first conference since taking power in military coups, adopted a joint statement for a treaty to set up the alliance.
From now on, the new grouping is expected to collaborate on security concerns and form closer economic bonds, including eventually creating a common currency.
The three nations - together boasting a combined population of over 70 million - are affected by insecurity caused by violent militant factions.
Speaking from the Nigerien capital, where the conference took place, Captain Ibrahim Traore, the leader of Burkina Faso, said the summit marked ‘a decisive step for the future of our common space’.
He added, that together, they would consolidate the foundations of true independence, a guarantee of peace and sustainable development through the creation of the 'Alliance of Sahel States' Confederation’.
Departure from ECOWAS
The move also appears to indicate their departure from the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, which the three leaders repeatedly implied they would quit.
A withdrawal might hamper security cooperation specifically in terms of intelligence gathering and participation in the battle against terrorism.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are hostile toward France, their formal colonial master, and currently endure frosty relations with western countries. Recently, they’ve sought friendlier ties with Turkey, Russia and Iran.
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