For the first time, the leaders of the military governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are meeting to solidify an alliance formed amidst opposition from neighboring countries.
These nations, having experienced coups between 2020 and 2023, have come together to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The ongoing jihadist violence, partly cited as a reason for the military takeovers, continues to plague these countries. In January, they collectively announced plans to leave the regional bloc ECOWAS, which is concurrently holding its own summit on Sunday.
During Saturday’s meeting in Niamey, Niger’s capital, junta chiefs are set to formally establish AES. Niger’s coup leader, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, is hosting the talks, joined by Burkina Faso’s Capt Ibrahim Traoré and Mali’s Col Assimi Goïta.
The discussions will prioritize security cooperation and explore economic integration, including the creation of a common currency to replace the French-backed CFA Franc used across the region. This move underscores their rejection of former colonial influence.
All three countries have expelled French soldiers, previously part of an anti-jihadist mission, and have sought military assistance from Russia instead. The junta leaders have consistently called for greater sovereignty and a break from colonial ties. They have also resisted ECOWAS’s calls for a swift return to civilian rule.
Capt Traoré, arriving in Niamey a day before the meeting, received an enthusiastic welcome, with crowds waving Nigerien and Burkinabé flags. Sidi Mohamed, head of the National Youth Council, expressed pride in the summit’s African-centric approach, highlighting the absence of foreign stakeholders.
Col Goïta arrived on Saturday, joining the other leaders in discussions. Meanwhile, the presidents of the broader West African bloc will respond at their summit in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday, where they plan to announce the activation of a standby force to address regional insecurity.
Despite their efforts, the juntas in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have struggled to quell the escalating jihadist violence that has plagued the Sahel region over the past decade.
