Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso support the confederation
On Friday, the foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all under military rule, proposed the establishment of a confederation as a step toward the overarching objective of uniting these West African nations into a federation.
Mali and Burkina Faso, both governed by juntas following coups in 2020 and 2022, swiftly supported Niger’s military leaders after they ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum in July.
This led to the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States, fostering stronger economic connections and mutual defense commitments in the face of threats to the sovereignty or territorial integrity of any member.
After a two-day meeting in Bamako, the capital of Mali, the foreign ministers issued a joint statement highlighting the substantial opportunities for peace, stability, diplomatic influence, and economic growth that an enhanced political alliance could bring.
The ministers, driven by the aspiration to eventually establish a federation encompassing Burkina, Mali, and Niger, advise the formation of a confederation to the heads of state within the Alliance of Sahel States, as stated in the announcement.
Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop stated that the findings would be presented to their respective heads of state, scheduled to convene in Bamako at an unspecified future date.
In defiance of international pressure for a swift return to civilian rule and persistent jihadist insurgencies across the three nations, the military regimes have forged strong bonds.
The recent Bamako meeting sought to elaborate on the operational aspects of the newly established alliance, with ministers underscoring the significance of diplomacy, defense, and development as key elements in fortifying political and economic integration.
During the meeting, the economy and finance ministers of the involved nations proposed the establishment of a stabilisation fund, an investment bank, and a committee tasked with studying an economic and monetary union, according to the statement issued last month.
AFB