In a move signalling a significant shift in West African politics, the military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger signed a treaty on Saturday establishing a new “Confederation of Sahel States” (AES).
This comes after all three countries severed ties with the existing regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The leaders, who came to power through coups in recent years, stated their desire for “greater integration” between the member states.
The AES, with a combined population of roughly 72 million, aims to foster cooperation in areas like agriculture, water management, energy, and transportation.
This move follows tensions with ECOWAS, which the Sahel nations accuse of being influenced by France, their former colonizer.
All three countries have severed military ties with France and are seeking closer relations with Russia.
General Abdourahamane Tiani, leader of Niger’s military government, declared that “Our people have irrevocably turned their back on ECOWAS.”
Notably, ECOWAS imposed sanctions on Niger after Tiani’s July 2023 coup, but these were lifted in February.
The formation of the AES raises questions about future relations with ECOWAS, which will be discussed at their summit today in Abuja.
The new confederation has also established a joint military force to combat insurgent activity in the region.
Additionally, they aim to promote the use of indigenous languages in local media. The long-term impact of this new alliance on regional security and development remains to be seen.
