The governments of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have revealed their plans to create a confederation after their departure from ECOWAS. The announcement was made by the Malian government spokesperson, Abdoulaye Maiga, during a meeting of ministers from the three countries in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Maiga, also Mali’s minister of Territorial Organization and Decentralization, highlighted that the proposal to establish a confederation was put forward in a meeting by the countries’ development affairs ministers. Additionally, they suggested expanding the objectives of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in diplomacy and economic development, which was formed shortly after the coup in Niger.
Accusations were directed at ECOWAS during Maiga’s speech, with criticism of the organization’s actions and its deviation from its original mission. The current leaders of the three countries, established through successful coups, have resisted ECOWAS’ demands for a civilian transition, resulting in the imposition of sanctions. In response, the countries announced their departure from ECOWAS, leading to ongoing dialogues between the regional body and the countries’ leaders.
The formation of this new confederation signifies a strengthening alliance between the states and aims to serve the interests of peace, security, development, and integration of the people. The confederation is set to await the creation of a federation comprising the three countries, signaling a transformative era in West African regional politics.
