The military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formed a new “confederation” after signing a treaty during their first summit in Niamey on Saturday. This move follows their severance of ties with an existing West African bloc.
The leaders, who assumed power through recent coups, announced their decision to pursue greater integration among their nations. In a statement at the end of the summit, they revealed the adoption of a treaty establishing the “Confederation of Sahel States” (AES), which will encompass around 72 million people.
In January, these countries announced their departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing it of being influenced by France, their former colonial ruler. They have also severed military and defense ties with France, opting for increased cooperation with Russia.
General Abdourahamane Tiani, head of Niger’s military government, declared at the summit’s opening that their people had irrevocably turned their backs on ECOWAS. Tensions between ECOWAS and these nations escalated following a coup in Niger in July 2023, which led to ECOWAS imposing sanctions and threatening military intervention to restore the ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum. Although the sanctions were lifted in February, relations remain strained.
ECOWAS is set to hold a leaders’ summit on Sunday in Abuja, where the relationship with AES will be a key topic.
In March, the AES countries established a joint military force to combat jihadist groups frequently attacking their territories. During the Saturday summit, they also discussed collaborative approaches to strategic sectors like agriculture, water, energy, and transport. Additionally, they called for greater prominence of indigenous languages in local media.