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Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso: Redrawing West Africa’s Map with a Military Confederation
Author Name
1/1/2035
Colonel Assimi Goïta of Mali, Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, and General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger
The military juntas of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have signed a treaty forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), uniting 72 million people. This confederation aims to eradicate jihadist violence and build a robust economic alliance to reshape West Africa.
Historic Signing in Niamey
In Niger’s capital, Niamey, Burkina Faso’s interim leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, expressed gratitude for the formation of the AES. Addressing the assembly in his khaki fatigues and red beret, Traoré emphasized the shared history and unity among the three nations.
"We have the same blood that runs in our veins," he declared, highlighting the legacy of their ancestors.
Mali’s interim President Colonel Assimi Goïta echoed these sentiments, envisioning a future federation with free movement of people and goods, transcending national identities. The summit’s joint communiqué outlined plans for joint infrastructure projects, trade facilitation, and investments in agriculture, mining, and energy.
The Road to Confederation
The journey to this alliance began with coups in Mali (2020), Burkina Faso, and Niger (2023), which ousted civilian governments deemed ineffective against jihadist violence. The leaders of these nations criticized the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and former colonial power France for their inadequate support.
Niger’s Abdourahamane Tiani confirmed the alliance’s break with ECOWAS. The AES's cooperation includes economic agreements like Niger’s discounted diesel sale to Mali.
Sovereignty and Security
The AES rejects Western military involvement, opting for partnerships with Russia and mobilizing local militias. However, the success of these strategies remains uncertain, with continued violence in regions like
Liptako-Gourma.
Critics argue that severing ties with ECOWAS and Western allies could lead to isolation. The AES’s leaders, however, view their stance as a break from colonial legacies, emphasizing sovereignty and self-determination.
Virginie Baudais of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute noted the shift in regional dynamics and the challenges faced by the AES. Despite aspirations, the coalition must address economic hardships to maintain legitimacy and improve living conditions.
The Alliance of Sahel States marks a significant shift in West Africa’s political landscape, driven by a desire for sovereignty and regional cooperation. The success of this bold move will depend on the AES’s ability to address security threats and economic challenges effectively.
