Military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have signed a confederation treaty in Niamey, Niger, strengthening their alliance under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The treaty aims to enhance mutual defense cooperation, marking a shift away from traditional regional and Western allies. This move follows the withdrawal of the three countries from ECOWAS in January, with Niger’s General Tchiani criticizing the 50-year-old economic bloc as a threat to their states.
The leaders, who came to power in coups, accused foreign powers of exploiting their resources and interfering in regional affairs. They emphasized the importance of an AES of the peoples over institutions influenced by external powers. The strengthened relationship signifies that an attack on one member state will be considered an attack on all, demonstrating a commitment to collective security.
The shift in influence is evident as the United States completes its withdrawal from a key base in Niger, while French troops have left the region. In response to rising violence linked to extremist groups, the new military leaders have turned to Russia for security and economic ties. However, concerns remain about the effectiveness of this approach in addressing the ongoing violence and instability that have displaced millions across the three countries.
Experts have highlighted the weakening of ECOWAS due to the creation of the AES and called for a reassessment of the regional bloc’s role in promoting integration and security. As tensions persist between the military leaders and Western allies, efforts to bridge the rift through diplomacy continue to be a pressing issue for the region.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
