The signatures have been signed! Decision to form a confederation from 3 African countries.

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have signed a joint declaration that allows them to form a confederation.

The three countries, which have decided to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and establish the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), held their first summit in Niamey, the capital of Niger. The presidents of Mali, Assimi Goita, Niger, Abdurrahmane Tchiani, and Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Traore, met in Niamey for the summit. During the summit, a joint declaration was signed to establish the "Confederation of Sahel States" consisting of the three countries, and President Goita of Mali was elected as the rotating president of the AES for one year.

COMPLETELY SHUTTING THE DOOR TO ECOWAS

Meanwhile, it was emphasized at the summit that a return to ECOWAS is not possible. President Traore of Burkina Faso wrote on his X account that the AES has tremendous potential for the welfare of the people of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Traore also noted that through the Confederation of Sahel States, they will strengthen their independence.

"SECURITY" IS AMONG THE AREAS OF COOPERATION

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger established the AES in September 2023 and announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS in a joint declaration issued on January 28. It is expected that the three countries, with a total population of 72 million, will cooperate in various areas, especially security, within the framework of the AES.