Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso form alliance to stabilize Sahel region

Malian Government Unveils New Institutions Amid Regional Tensions

Leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger gathered in Bamako for a Confederal Summit of Heads of State, marking the formation of a new Sahel Investment and Development Bank. The bank aims to finance infrastructure projects without reliance on Western lenders.

The summit also saw the inauguration of a new television channel, built around a shared narrative, and a joint military force intended to operate across borders against armed groups. These announcements were made in response to the withdrawal from ECOWAS, a regional bloc that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger left in September 2023.

The three countries formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in an effort to address regional security concerns. The alliance has been accused of serving foreign interests rather than African ones. This month’s summit was seen as a significant moment for the region, with leaders celebrating achievements and inaugurating new institutions.

However, the region remains plagued by armed violence and instability. Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate, has expanded its operations across the Sahel region, launching attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Benin. The group’s activities have disrupted trade routes and led to fuel shortages in Bamako.

Despite these challenges, life continues in Bamako, with people waiting patiently for their turn at petrol stations where long queues stretch into the night. Rumors suggest that the authorities may have struck quiet deals with the fighters they claim to be fighting, but this has not appeared to affect daily life.

The Sahel Alliance Square, a newly created public space, was built to celebrate the union of the three countries and their people. Young people gathered there, cheering as Malian forces passed by, drawn by loud music and trivia questions on stage. The event marked a moment of celebration and unity for the region, despite ongoing regional tensions and security concerns.

Source: Al Jazeera