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Sahel States Unite Against France: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger form new regional alliance
In a significant development, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have finalised plans to form a confederation, marking a shift away from their former colonial ruler, France.
The three countries’ foreign ministers met in Niger’s capital, Niamey, on Friday to agree on a text establishing the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
According to Niger Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare, the objective was to finalise the draft text relating to the institutionalisation and operationalisation of AES.
The text will be adopted by the heads of state of the three countries at a summit, although a date has not been specified.
Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop declared, “We can consider very clearly, today, that the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has been born.”
The Sahel region has been plagued by deadly jihadist violence for years, which the three countries accuse France of failing to address.
READ ALSO: Nigeria and the sahel: A precarious dance amidst the coup era, by Ibrahim T. Tumsah
In January, the three countries announced their withdrawal from The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing French influence, and expressed their intention to create their own regional grouping.
This move marks a significant shift in regional dynamics and a desire for greater autonomy and cooperation among the three nations.
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