Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Military Regimes Confirm Plan to Form New Confederation

The military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have confirmed their intention to establish a confederation, according to the Malian foreign ministry.

This move comes after the three countries announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), signaling a shift in their regional alliances.

The decision to withdraw from ECOWAS has raised concerns about its potential impact on regional integration. Despite calls from ECOWAS to reconsider their decision, the three countries have expressed their commitment to deepen their ties through an alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

During a meeting in the Burkinabe capital Ouagadougou, the ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger reiterated their commitment to withdraw from ECOWAS and continue cooperation under the AES. They also confirmed their plans to create a Tri-State Confederation, although details about the confederation’s structure and alignment of political, economic, and security interests remain unclear.

The move to form a confederation comes amid the ongoing battle with Islamist insurgents that has destabilized the Sahel region for over a decade. The three countries have also signaled their intention to consider setting up a monetary union, potentially abandoning the West Africa’s CFA franc common currency.

Furthermore, the military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have severed their military ties with France, their former colonial ruler. This decision has not only dealt a blow to France’s influence in the region but also complicated international efforts to combat militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State in the Sahel.

The establishment of a new confederation in the Sahel region could have significant implications for regional dynamics and international efforts to address security challenges. However, the success of this initiative will depend on how effectively the three countries can align their interests and cooperate in addressing the complex challenges facing the region.