Junta-led Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger to Form Tri-state Confederation Following ECOWAS Exit

The junta-led countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have confirmed their plans to establish a tri-state confederation, following their exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The announcement was made by the Malian foreign ministry on Thursday, as the three countries continue to strengthen their ties through this new alliance.

The decision to form a confederation comes after the three countries announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS in January 2024, citing the need for greater regional cooperation and integration.

The new alliance, known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), aims to deepen the ties between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and to create a more unified and prosperous region.

The ministers from the three countries met in the Burkinabe capital, Ouagadougou, to reaffirm their commitment to the formation of the confederation.

They also discussed the implementation of the AES and the creation of a confederation as a step towards their long-term goal of uniting the West African neighbours within a federation.

The formation of the confederation has been met with mixed reactions from the international community, with some expressing concern about the potential impact on regional stability and security.

However, the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have stated that the confederation is a necessary step towards greater regional cooperation and integration, and that it will help to address the common challenges faced by the three countries.

In conclusion, the formation of a tri-state confederation by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger following their exit from ECOWAS is a significant development in West African regional politics.

The new alliance, known as the AES, aims to deepen the ties between the three countries and to create a more unified and prosperous region.