Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali sign treaty to become confederation
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"This summit marks a decisive step for the future of our common space," Capt. Ibrahim Traore, the leader of Burkina Faso, wrote on X.
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Burkina Faso coup leader Capt. Ibrahim Traore participates in a ceremony in Ouagadougou, on October 15, 2022. (AP)
The military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger convened their first joint summit on Saturday in Niamey, the capital of Niger. During this historic meeting, they announced the formation of a confederation of the three Sahel states.
In their inaugural summit since coming to power, the leaders adopted a joint statement outlining a treaty to establish the confederation.
“This summit marks a decisive step for the future of our common space. Together, we will consolidate the foundations of our true independence, a guarantee of true peace and sustainable development through the creation of the 'Alliance of Sahel States' Confederation,’" Capt. Ibrahim Traore, the leader of Burkina Faso, wrote on X.
Aux côtés de mes pairs, leurs Excellences le Général TIANI et le Colonel GOITA, je prends part, ce samedi 6 juillet 2024 à Niamey, au 1er sommet des pays membres de l'Alliance des Etats du Sahel (AES).
— Capitaine Ibrahim TRAORÉ (@CapitaineIb226) July 6, 2024
Ce sommet marque une étape déterminante pour l’avenir de notre espace… pic.twitter.com/KSPlMYT33h
Tensions with ECOWAS persist
The summit appears to signal a departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Tensions between the Sahel nations and ECOWAS escalated after Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani seized power from the elected President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup in Niger last July. In response, ECOWAS imposed sanctions on Niger and threatened intervention, further straining relations.
“The AES (Alliance of Sahel States) is full of enormous natural potential which, if properly exploited, will guarantee a better future for the people of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso," said Traore.
"Our people have irrevocably turned their backs on ECOWAS," stated Tiani to his fellow Sahel leaders.
The three AES countries accuse ECOWAS of being manipulated by former colonial ruler France, with Tiani calling for the new bloc to become a "community far removed from the stranglehold of foreign powers."
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso's military leaders have all rejected French influence, expelling French troops from their countries and turning instead toward what they call their "sincere partners" - Russia, Turkey, and Iran. They emphasize sovereignty as a guiding principle of their governance and aim to establish a common currency.
