Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all governed by military juntas, have completed plans to form a regional confederation.
This move comes as the countries distance themselves from former colonial ruler, France, in favor of stronger ties with Russia.
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The foreign ministers of the three nations met in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on Friday to finalize the establishment of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Niger’s Foreign Minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, announced the completion of the draft text for the institutionalization and operationalization of the AES.
“The objective was to finalize the draft text relating to the institutionalization and operationalization of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES),” Sangare stated, indicating that the text would be adopted by the heads of state at a forthcoming summit, the date of which remains unspecified.
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Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, after meeting with Niger’s military leader General Abdourahamane Tiani, declared, “We can consider very clearly, today, that the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has been born.”
Burkina Faso was represented by its Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, at the meeting.
The Sahel region has long been plagued by jihadist violence, which the three countries have accused France of failing to adequately address.
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In late January, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing its French influence, and stated their intention to form a new regional bloc.
This new alliance marks a significant geopolitical shift in the region, as the countries look to Russia for support in combating the ongoing security threats and fostering regional stability.
