Ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger convened in the Burkinabe capital on Thursday to discuss the establishment of a confederation.
The meeting builds upon the foundation laid by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a defence and economic pact formed by the three military regimes in September.
Burkina Faso’s Defence Minister, General Kassoum Coulibaly, emphasised that the talks in Ouagadougou aimed to advance the implementation of crucial instruments, mechanisms, and legal frameworks necessary for the confederation’s establishment.
His counterpart from Niger, General Salifou Modi, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the significance of efficient functioning to benefit the populations of all three countries.
The idea of a confederation has garnered support from the foreign ministers of the three nations, aligning with a long-term goal of uniting the West African neighbours within a federation. This vision was underscored during a meeting held in December in the Malian capital, Bamako.
General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger’s military leadership recently proposed the creation of a common currency with Burkina Faso and Mali as a potential solution to overcome the legacy of colonization.
The latest discussions come amidst the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
This decision, announced by the three countries, reflects their dissatisfaction with ECOWAS’ handling of regional issues and their desire for greater autonomy.
The trio, which has been grappling with ongoing jihadist violence and political instability since 2020, has accused former colonial power France of influencing ECOWAS decisions. This suspicion has led to the expulsion of French ambassadors and forces, with the countries increasingly turning towards other international partners, notably Moscow.
Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga of Mali’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization expressed optimism about the prospect of achieving genuine fraternity among the Sahel States, free from external interference. Coulibaly reinforced the sentiment, asserting the irreversibility of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS, citing a deviation from its founding objectives.
As discussions progress towards establishing a confederation, the Sahel States signal their determination to chart their own course, prioritizing the interests and aspirations of their populations.
