The governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, led by their respective juntas, reaffirmed their commitment to form a confederation. This decision was made public in a statement following a meeting involving the Ministers of the Alliance of Sahel States (AOSS). The AOSS is a defense pact that the three states formed as a measure towards collective defense. The announcement was made via Twitter on Thursday.
In September 2023, the triad signed the Charter of Liptako-Gourma that established the AOSS. The announcement recognizes the success in pooling resources and diplomatic efforts brought about by this alliance. It further mentions the necessity to enhance communication and visibility of the AOSS.
Each of the three nations commemorated their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing the ECOWAS of diverting from its initial goals. The withdrawal was described as an opportunity for each state to rely on and build their own resources and capacities.
These events transpire amidst ongoing tensions between the junta-led countries and ECOWAS. To overturn the coups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, ECOWAS imposed sanctions on the new military governments in July 2023. Regardless, in January 2024, the three nations declared an immediate exit from ECOWAS—an action that ECOWAS denied asserting that a formal notice under Article 91 of the Revised Treaty of ECOWAS had not been provided.
The plans to form this confederation signifies a crucial development in the political and defense structures of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. While the juntas praise this cooperation as a positive step towards self-reliance, the move continues to increase tension in the region, particularly with ECOWAS.
The full report can be found at Jurist – News.