Treaty Signed By Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Establishes Confederation...CONTINUE READING

The military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have established a new regional bloc named the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), marking their departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The leaders signed a treaty during their inaugural summit in Niamey on Saturday, underscoring a significant move towards closer integration among the three nations……… CONTINUE READING 

The formation of AES follows the withdrawal of these countries from ECOWAS earlier this year, criticizing the organization’s perceived alignment with their former colonial power, France. They have since terminated military and defence collaborations with France and opted to strengthen ties with Russia.

The summit concluded with the adoption of a treaty formalizing AES, which now encompasses a combined population of approximately 72 million people. General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of Niger’s military government, emphasized that this marks a definitive shift away from ECOWAS, highlighting the sovereignty and regional solidarity among the Sahel states.

In response to persistent jihadist threats in the region, the AES countries established a joint military force in March aimed at bolstering their defence capabilities. The summit also prioritized strategic cooperation in crucial sectors like agriculture, water, energy, and transport, aiming for deeper integration in these areas among member states.

Another key agenda item was the promotion of indigenous languages in local media, reflecting broader efforts to enhance cultural and social cohesion within AES.

The creation of AES has strained relations with ECOWAS, particularly after ECOWAS imposed sanctions and threatened military intervention following the coup in Niger in July 2023. While sanctions were lifted in February, tensions persist. ECOWAS leaders are scheduled to discuss the implications of AES and future relations at a summit in Abuja on Sunday.