Leaders of the military regimes of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger conducted their first joint summit and announced the formation of a confederation of three Sahel states. The summit took place in the Nigerien capital of Niamey. In a joint statement after the summit, the leaders of the three nations stated that they would release a treaty to formalise the confederation. The military regimes came to power in the three nations after they staged military coups within their respective nations. This summit marks a decisive step for the future of our common space. Together, we will consolidate the foundations of our true independence, a guarantee of true peace and sustainable development through the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States Confederation, Capt. Ibrahim Traore, the leader of Burkina Faso, wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. Aux c t s de mes pairs, leurs Excellences le G n ral TIANI et le Colonel GOITA, je prends part, ce samedi 6 juillet 2024 Niamey, au 1er sommet des pays membres de l'Alliance des Etats du Sahel AES.Ce sommet marque une tape d terminante pour l avenir de notre espace pic.twitter.comKSPlMYT33h. The summit marks their departure from ECOWAS. Many believe that the controversial summit indicated their departure from the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS. In the past, the three leaders said that they would leave the Western African coalition by this year, despite frequent efforts at reconciliation by the bloc. The ties between the ECOWAS and the three Sahel nations deteriorated after General Abdourahamane Tiani ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup in Niger, last year. Immediately after the Niger coup, ECOWAS imposed sanctions on the African nation and threatened to intervene. The threat is what many believe irritated the trio. The AES Alliance of Sahel States is full of enormous natural potential which, if properly exploited, will guarantee a better future for the people of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso," said Traore. The three countries have a combined population of 72 million and the new alliance can be a concern for other neighbouring nations. Within the confederation, the three nations are expected to cooperate on security issues and form closer economic ties. With inputs from agencies. is on YouTube. Copyright  2024. Firstpost  All Rights Reserved
Leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger met in Niamey to form a confederation, marking a departure from ECOWAS. They aim to create the Alliance of Sahel States Confederation for true independence and sustainable development. The confederation is seen as a strategic move with implications for neighboring nations.