
The military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formed a new confederation named the “Confederation of Sahel States” (AES), marking a significant step towards greater integration among their nations. This development was announced during their first summit held in Niamey, where they signed a treaty to establish the confederation.
The AES aims to foster cooperation and integration among the three Sahelian countries, which collectively have a population of around 72 million people. The decision to form AES comes after these countries withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) earlier in January, citing concerns about the organization’s influence and their desire for more independent foreign relations, particularly distancing themselves from former colonial power, France.
General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger’s military government, who led the summit, emphasized that their departure from ECOWAS is irreversible. This move followed tensions with ECOWAS over the military coups that brought these leaders to power, leading to sanctions and threats of military intervention from ECOWAS, which were later lifted in February.
The AES countries are now focusing on mutualizing their efforts in critical sectors such as agriculture, water, energy, and transport. They have also established a joint military force to combat jihadist groups that pose security threats across their territories. Additionally, the confederation leaders highlighted the importance of promoting indigenous languages through local media.
ECOWAS, meanwhile, is addressing the implications of AES’s formation at its own leaders’ summit in Abuja, where discussions on relations with the new confederation are set to take place. The establishment of AES represents a significant geopolitical shift in West Africa, reflecting these countries’ aspirations for regional autonomy and strategic cooperation in addressing common challenges, particularly security and economic development.