Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Propose Confederation In Pursuit Of Regional Unity

Africa– The foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger on Friday convened in Bamako over the last two days to advocate for the establishment of a confederation, marking a crucial step towards their long-term objective of forming a federation among West African neighbours.

The proposal emerged during deliberations of the Alliance of Sahel States, where top diplomats engaged in discussions to delineate the operational framework of the new alliance.

They engaged in conversations to elaborate on the operations of the recently formed alliance, with the ministers underscoring the significance of diplomacy, defense, and development “to strengthen political and economic integration.”

The Malian Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, said that the recommendations would be presented to each head of state, scheduled to convene in Bamako on an unspecified date.

The economy and finance ministers of the countries, who convened in late November, proposed the establishment of a stabilization fund, an investment bank, and a committee tasked with examining an economic and monetary union.

In mid-September, the military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger endorsed a mutual defense pact.

The Liptako-Gourma Charter, named after the historical region of the same name, founded the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).