Faith Nyasuguta
The foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have put forward a bold proposal to create a confederation, marking a significant step toward the long-term goal of uniting these West African neighbors within a federation.
The top diplomats from the Alliance of Sahel States convened in Bamako for a two-day meeting, focusing on outlining the operational aspects of the new alliance.
The ministers underscored the pivotal role of diplomacy, defense, and development in consolidating political and economic integration.
Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop revealed that the recommendations arising from these discussions would be presented to each head of state during a forthcoming meeting in Bamako, the date of which is yet to be specified.
The proposal for a confederation aligns with the broader vision of strengthening regional collaboration.
In late November, the economy and finance ministers of these nations recommended the establishment of a stabilization fund, an investment bank, and a committee tasked with studying an economic and monetary union. These initiatives aim to foster economic resilience and enhance financial cooperation.
The military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger laid the groundwork for this alliance in mid-September by signing the Liptako-Gourma Charter.
Named after the historical region it represents, the charter formalized the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), focusing on collective defense and mutual assistance against terrorism.
Responding to the security challenges in the Liptako-Gourma region, where the borders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger converge, the pact commits these nations to collaborate militarily and economically. It emphasizes mutual support in the event of an attack and seeks to prevent or resolve armed rebellions in the region.
This strategic move reflects the shared commitment of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to collective defense and regional stability amid ongoing security threats and armed conflicts. The proposed confederation stands as a testament to their determination to forge a united and resilient front.
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