The military-led governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have unveiled a joint plan to forge closer ties through the establishment of a confederation after their departure from the regional organization. The Malian foreign ministry announced the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in a statement released on Thursday. This move follows the trio’s decision in January to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), despite ECOWAS urging them to reconsider.

During a meeting in the Burkinabe capital, Ouagadougou, the foreign ministers of the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to promptly leaving ECOWAS and expressed determination to advance the implementation of the AES, culminating in the creation of a Tri-State Confederation, as stated by the Malian foreign ministry.

Details regarding the operational framework of the proposed confederation and the extent of alignment in political, economic, and security interests remain undisclosed. One of the key challenges facing these nations is their ongoing struggle to combat Islamist insurgents, which has significantly destabilized the Sahel region.

In November 2023, the finance ministers of the three countries indicated that they would explore the possibility of establishing a monetary union. Additionally, high-ranking officials have shown varying degrees of support for abandoning the West African CFA franc common currency.

The military juntas in these countries have severed longstanding military ties with France, their former colonial ruler, thereby diminishing France’s influence in the Sahel. This move has also complicated international efforts to combat militants affiliated with al Qaeda and the Islamic State.

President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian leader and ECOWAS Chairman, has faced challenges in his attempts to restore democratic governments in the three countries. His efforts, including sending delegations led by former military leader Abdulsalam Abubakar and Benin Republic President Patrice Talon, were met with opposition.

Notably, Niger experienced a coup d’état on July 26, 2023, led by the presidential guard, resulting in the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum. Burkina Faso had its military takeover on September 30, 2022, when Interim President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba was removed over alleged inability to contain the country’s Islamist insurgency. In 2021, Mali witnessed a coup d’état led by Vice President Assimi Goïta, who has remained in power since capturing President Bah N’daw, Prime Minister Moctar Ouane, and Minister of Defence Souleymane Doucouré on the night of May 24.

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