Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Forge Ahead with Plans for New Confederation Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Written by Deborah Oyinloye on February 16, 2024
Ministers representing Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are moving forward with plans to establish a confederation, signalling a significant step in deepening regional ties and reshaping the geopolitical landscape of West Africa. The Malian foreign ministry confirmed the intent on Thursday, underscoring the potential implications for broader West African integration efforts.
This development follows closely on the heels of the announcement made in January 2024, wherein the three Sahel region neighbours declared their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Despite calls from the bloc to reconsider this decision, citing potential additional hardships, the trio seems determined to chart their course.
Having been suspended from ECOWAS due to military coups that ousted elected civilian governments, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are now exploring avenues for closer collaboration. General Kassoum Coulibaly, Burkina Faso’s Defence Minister, expressed optimism about the talks held in Ouagadougou, emphasizing the need to establish the necessary frameworks for the confederation’s efficient functioning.
“We are committed to implementing the instruments, mechanisms, and legal architecture for the confederation,” remarked General Coulibaly, echoing sentiments shared by his counterparts. General Salifou Modi of Niger emphasized the benefits of such an alliance, highlighting its potential to positively impact the populations of all three countries.
In addition to discussions about the confederation, the finance ministers of the three nations previously indicated their readiness to explore the establishment of a monetary union. Furthermore, there is growing support among top officials for moving away from the CFA franc common currency, a move that could reshape the economic landscape of West Africa.
The geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel have also seen significant shifts, with the juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger severing longstanding military ties with France. This move not only diminishes France’s influence in the region but also complicates international efforts to combat militant groups affiliated with al Qaeda and Islamic State.
Author: Deborah Oyinloye
With an interest in media, Deborah aims to impart the lives of people positively.
Lamson Etseoghena On March 22, 2024 at 9:24 am
They should reconsider