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Alliance of Sahel States

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Not to be confused with Sahel Alliance.

Confederation of Sahel States
Confédération des États du Sahel (French)
Seal of Alliance of Sahel States
Seal
Anthem: Sahel Benkan[1]
Confederation of Sahel States (red)
Confederation of Sahel States (red)
Lingua francaFrench
Demonym(s)Sahélien
TypeConfederation
Member States
Leaders
• President
Assimi Goïta
Establishment6 July 2024
Area
• Total
2,781,392[2] km2 (1,073,901 sq mi)
• Water (%)
0.74
Population
• 2024 estimate
71,375,590[2]
• Density
25.7/km2 (66.6/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)2024 estimate
• Total
$179.357 billion[3]
• Per capita
$2,513
GDP (nominal)2024 estimate
• Total
$62.380 billion[3]
• Per capita
$874
CurrencyWest African CFA franc
Time zoneUTC+0 / +1 (GMT / WAT)

The Confederation of Sahel States (French: Confédération des États du Sahel), also known as the Alliance of Sahel States (French: Alliance des États du Sahel), or AES Confederation (AES) is a confederation formed between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, located in the Sahel region of Africa.[4][5][6][7] It originated as a mutual defense pact created on 16 September 2023 following the 2023 Nigerien crisis, in which the West African political bloc ECOWAS threatened to intervene militarily following a successful coup d'état in Niger earlier that year.[7][8][9][10] All three member states are former members of ECOWAS and currently under the control of juntas following a string of successful coups, the 2021 Malian coup d'état, the September 2022 Burkina Faso coup d'état, and the 2023 Niger coup d'état.[11][12][13] The confederation was established on 6 July 2024.

The confederation's stated goal is to pool resources to build energy and communications infrastructure, establish a common market, implement a monetary union under proposed currency, allow free movement of persons, enable industrialization, and invest in agriculture, mines and the energy sector, with the end goal of federalizing into a single sovereign state.[14][15][16] The confederation is against neo-colonialism and has demonstrated this with acts such as downgrading the status of the French language[17] and renaming of colonial street names.[18][19] It is also anti-French and anti-ECOWAS in outlook, as it disagrees with many of their policies.[20][5][21][22]

The economic outlook for AES countries is positive (Burkina 5.494%, Mali 3.751%, and Niger 9.869% GDP growth in 2024),[23] with Niger becoming the 3rd fastest growing economy in the world and the fastest growing economy in Africa in 2024.[24][25] The nations of the AES are among the least developed in the world as measured by the Human Development Index.[26] Factors such as prolonged periods of ineffective governance, external geopolitical influences,[27] jihadist groups,[28] and imbalanced trade agreements that provided minimal infrastructure improvement or benefits to local populations, contributed to economic and social challenges in these countries. The UK-based NGO Amnesty International has accused AES governments of engaging in routine human rights violations including arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances,[29] and massacres of civilians.[30] AES states have all pledged to suspend military rule and return to civilian rule, but these plans have been delayed in each of these countries as the governments work towards increased integration.[22]

The AES successfully launched a common biometric passport and identity card travel documents in January 2025 to coincide with the formalization of the AES confederation and exit from ECOWAS.[31][32][33]  The passport, launched to facilitate travel for AES citizens, meets international standards. In September 2025, Burkina Faso went a step further and eliminated visa fees for all African travelers, although travelers must still complete an online application for approval.[34][35]

Within the territory of the AES, there are various terrorist and insurgent groups including ISSP, Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin, and various separatist rebels fighting in Northern Mali such as the Azawad Movement. In 2024, the AES cut off military relations with Western powers and replaced Western military forces on their territory with Russian mercenaries, specifically the Wagner Group.[11][14] It has also cut diplomatic ties and expelled ambassadors from some Western countries such as Sweden following critical statements regarding its rapprochement with Russia.[36]

History

[edit]

Regional insurgencies and successive coups

[edit]
See also: Islamist insurgency in the Sahel and Coup Belt
Areas where the Islamic State – Sahel Province operates, July 2021

The Sahel has been the site of an ongoing jihadist insurgency since 2003, which has led to many conflicts in the region, such as the Mali War and the Boko Haram insurgency. All three member states have had their pro-Western civilian governments overthrown by their militaries, and each is ruled by a military junta as part of the Coup Belt.[37] In 2022, Mali withdrew from the internationally backed G5 Sahel alliance. Niger and Burkina Faso did so in 2023, leading to announcement of the dissolution of the framework by its last two members Chad and Mauritania three days later.[6]

In the 2020 Malian coup d'état, Assimi Goïta and the National Committee for the Salvation of the People seized power in Mali after overthrowing the elected president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.[38] Goïta later led a second coup in 2021 which deposed the interim president Bah Ndaw who had been nominated to lead a transitional military government.[39]

A few months later, in the 2021 Guinean coup d'état, the National Committee of Reconciliation and Development removed the elected president Alpha Condé and installed Mamady Doumbouya as transitional president.[40] Guinea is not a member of the AES, but has been offering diplomatic support to the confederation.

A faction of Burkina Faso's military overthrew their existing military government in the September 2022 coup d'état, installing Ibrahim Traoré over Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who had come to power in the January 2022 coup d'état which toppled the France-aligned government of president Roch Marc Christian Kaboré.[41]

In July 2023, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland removed the elected government of Niger's Mohamed Bazoum, installing Abdourahamane Tchiani and a new junta in the 2023 coup d'état.[42]

ECOWAS suspensions and Nigerien crisis

[edit]
Main article: Nigerien crisis (2023–2024)

All three of the alliance's member states were suspended by ECOWAS shortly after the ousting of their elected governments. After the coup in Niger, ECOWAS threatened to intervene militarily and restore president Bazoum's government, resulting in a regional crisis. The juntas of Mali and Burkina Faso promised military aid to Niger in the event of an intervention, while Guinea's provided diplomatic support. The promises of military aid resulted in the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States as a mutual defense bloc for the three nations, averting an ECOWAS intervention.[9] The West Africa Peoples Organisation denounced the intervention, calling it a "pretext to carry out imperialist plans to keep Niger (rich in mineral resources, notably uranium and hydrocarbons) continually in the imperialist fold."[43][44]

On 28 January 2024, the three countries announced via a joint statement that they were withdrawing from ECOWAS.[45] With the situation at an impasse, later that year ECOWAS appointed three mediators to begin dialogues with the AES countries.[46] Soon after, on 15 December 2024, the Conference of Heads of State of ECOWAS adopted an exit transition period for Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, which begins on 29 January 2025, and ends on 29 July 2025.[47][48] The AES has rejected the timetable extension proposed by ECOWAS for their withdrawal and is adhering to the January 2025 withdrawal timeline.[49]

Withdrawal of Western forces

[edit]

In 2022, Mali's military government terminated defense agreements with France and accused French troops of failing to contain Islamist insurgencies and interfering in domestic politics.[50][51] In January 2023, Burkina Faso's military government formally ended its military agreement with France and demanded the withdrawal of 400 French special forces from their country within a month.[52] This was the result of growing nationalist and anti-colonial sentiment in addition to anti-French protests in the country.[53][54]

In July 2023, Niger's military government demanded France withdraw its 1,500 troops. President Macron initially resisted but eventually announced a full withdrawal by the end of 2023.[55][56] France's ambassador was also expelled, signaling a complete diplomatic breakdown.[57] While the U.S. presence was more counterterrorism-focused, it was also pushed out of Niger.[58] Niger had been a key U.S. ally and hosted drone bases with over 1000 troops and special forces.[59] After the 2023 coup, the military government restricted U.S. military operations, and Washington began reassessing its footprint. The U.S. has not been formally expelled from all three countries, but its influence is rapidly diminishing as juntas seek non-Western partnerships.[60]

Formalization of the Confederation

[edit]

In May 2024 at a meeting in Niamey, representatives of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger finalized a draft text creating the AES, with its objective to finalize the details of the project before the signature of an official treaty.[61]

In July 2024, at a summit in Niamey, the leaders of the states of the AES signed a confederation treaty to strengthen the existing mutual defense pact, assorted with the release of a 25-point communique.[21][62] This included agreement on a one-year rotating presidency, chaired by one of the leader of the country currently holding the presidency. Assimi Goïta, the current [when?] interim president of the Republic of Mali, started his term on the same day, and it was agreed that the first joint parliamentary summit of the AES would be hosted in Burkina Faso.[63]

On 22 February 2025, the ministers of the Confederation of Sahel States officially launched the flag of the AES,[64] after its validation by the heads of state of the member countries of the organization.[65]

As of January 2025, the ministers of the Sahel Confederation states are working on the creation of a joint parliament for the three Sahelian member states.[66]

Departure from ECOWAS

[edit]

On 29 January 2025, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formally withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after providing the required 1-year notice.[67] AES countries were all founding members of ECOWAS in May 1975.[67]

On 29 January, to consolidate their exit from ECOWAS and strengthen their alliance, the three countries began circulating new AES passports, and announced that a new unified 5,000-strong military unit will soon join the fight against jihadists and terrorists on AES territory.[68]

Details of how ECOWAS will treat AES citizens are to be worked out, but until further notice ECOWAS says it will continue to recognize passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo held by citizens from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.[69] AES citizens will continue to enjoy the right of visa-free movement, residence, and establishment in accordance with ECOWAS protocols[70] and goods and services from the three countries will be treated under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy until further notice.[71]

The withdrawal has resulted in ECOWAS losing 76 million of its 446 million people and a significant portion of its total geographical land area.[69][72] The AES is now geographically larger than ECOWAS, covering 2,781,392 km2 compared to ECOWAS's adjusted 2,087,596 km2.[73]

Relations with the West African Economic and Monetary Union

[edit]

Officially members of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA/WAEMU), AES countries have not shown their readiness to break ties with UEMOA. Leaving UEMOA is a more complex decision than leaving ECOWAS. Reasons that could impact the decision to remain in UEMOA include: 1. Burkina Faso hosts the UEMOA headquarters, and 2. leaving UEMOA could result in some economic instability. It should also be noted the AES adopted a confederal levy on imports originating outside the UEMOA to support operations of the newly created AES regional development bank.[74] UEMOA member countries share a single currency, the CFA franc, which is based on a convertibility guarantee by the French Treasury. If a country leaves UEMOA, it will have to recover its foreign exchange reserves, currently divided between the UEMOA Central Bank in Abidjan (50%) and the French Treasury (50%).[75]

Initiatives

[edit]

The Confederation of Sahel States has announced various measures towards its stated goals of regional stability, economic independence, and self reliance.[76]

Economic integration

[edit]

Proposals have been made regarding a common central bank jointly with the introduction of a new currency to replace the CFA franc.[77][78][15] In an effort to boost agricultural and energy self-reliance, joint infrastructure programs are envisioned, and export controls on grain towards the rest of ECOWAS have been implemented.[79][80][81] Energy regulators from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger met in Bamako in May 2025 to harmonise their policies on energy security and promote renewable energy.[82]

Investment bank

[edit]

The AES announced the creation of the Confederal Bank for Investment and Development (CBID) in May 2025. The bank is designed to provide autonomous financing for critical infrastructure and development projects across the Sahel and to reduce dependence on external institutions. The creation of the bank is a step toward financial sovereignty, one of the four pillars guiding the AES along with collective security, economic integration, and cultural and educational identity.[83][84]

Joint military force

[edit]

The AES countries have been increasing transnational coordination in the fight against terrorist groups.[85] In January 2025, a previously announced joint military force was described as being in development by Niger's Minister of Defense Salifou Modi. Modi announced that the force will have 5,000 personnel and will be tasked with fighting Islamist groups across the three countries.[86][87]

Common culture

[edit]

On 5 February 2025, the Member States of the Confederation of Sahel States established a "common cultural policy".[88]

Judicial cooperation and regional court

[edit]

The ministers of the Sahel Alliance states met in May 2025 to establish judicial cooperation within the AES. The meeting, chaired by Malian Prime Minister General Abdoulaye Maiga, focused on creating a common legal framework to address transnational challenges, including insecurity, arms proliferation, and money laundering. The goal is to enhance judicial convergence without unifying laws and to make systems interoperable while improving governance, legal protections, and institutional stability.[89]

The meeting resulted in the establishment of a regional criminal court aimed at addressing terrorism, violent extremism, and human rights violations in the Sahel region. This initiative shows a commitment to unified judicial responses against security and governance challenges in the region. A decision has not yet been made on the location of the proposed court. A high-security prison of "international standards" will also be built to house convicted prisoners.[90][91]

Planned withdrawal from the ICC

[edit]

In September 2025, the AES criticized the International Criminal Court as "a neo-colonial imperialist tool" and announced their plans to withdraw from it in favor of "indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice".[92] Burundi, the first African country to leave the ICC in October 2017 citing the Court’s alleged bias against African leaders.[93], has expressed support for the decision of the AES to withdraw from the Rome Statute (the founding treaty of the ICC). The ICC has not been accepted by China, Russia, or the USA,[94] with the USA having sanctioned some ICC court judges.[95]

APSA-Sahel

[edit]

The AES has created the Alliance of Agricultural Seed Producers of the Sahel (APSA-Sahel) to strengthening regional food sovereignty and promote seed systems locally adapted to the Sahel's climate. The initiative is designed to reduce dependence on foreign seed imports, promote indigenous seed varieties, and increase seed research, production, and distribution in the sahel.[96]

AES Games

[edit]

From 21 to 28 June 2025, Mali hosted the first annual Alliance of Sahel States Games. More than 500 professional athletes from AES states competed in soccer, traditional wrestling, archery, and other events. The games are part of an effort by the AES to build solidarity under their confederation.[97]

Other measures

[edit]

Roaming charges for telephone communications between the three countries have been abolished.[98][99][100] A joint biometric passport for AES citizens was introduced in January 2025.[31][101][102] At the end of March 2025, the three members of the confederation will introduce a common customs duty of 0.5% on imports from countries that are not members of the confederation of the alliance of Sahel states.[103] In May 2025, the Ministers of Culture of the Confederation of Sahel States (CES) validated the adoption of the official anthem of the confederation.[104] Experts from the road authorities of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger met in May 2025, to define a common approach to road safety.[105]

Member states

[edit]
Demographic and development overview of AES member states[106][107]
Country Capital Official language Area
(km2) 		Population (thousands) Population density
(per km2) 		Human Development Index (HDI)
2010 2025 2010 2025 2010 2025
Burkina Faso Ouagadougou Mooré, Dyula 274,200 17,114 24,451 62.4 89.1 0.388 0.451
Mali Bamako Bambara 1,240,192 16,515 24,790 13.3 20.0 0.399 0.467
Niger Niamey Hausa 1,267,000 18,504 29,126 14.6 23.0 0.377 0.439
Economic overview of AES member states [106]
Country Nominal GDP (millions USD) PPP GDP (millions Intl$.) Nominal GDP per capita (USD) PPP GDP per capita (Intl$.)
2010 2025 2010 2025 2010 2025 2010 2025
Burkina Faso 10,118 27,056 27,038 72,820 591 1,107 1,580 2,978
Mali 10,698 24,821 30,844 83,613 648 1,001 1,868 3,373
Niger 10,206 21,874 21,543 72,126 552 751 1,164 2,476

Resources

[edit]

The AES countries are resource rich.[108] For example, Niger is among the world's biggest uranium exporters and for many years has been a major uranium exporter to the EU.[109][110] Niger was among the top 4 providers of uranium to the EU in both 2022 and 2023 according to the Supply Agency of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom).[109] In 2022, Niger delivered 2,975 tonnes of natural uranium, or 25.4% of the EU's supplies, making it the second largest supplier.[111] In 2023, shipments dropped by 29.78%, making Niger the 4th largest supplier to the EU.[109] Niger produces just under 5% of all mined uranium worldwide.[110]

Niger was working to begin oil exports to China through the Niger–Benin Oil Pipeline until the efforts were frustrated in early 2024.[112][113] China intervened in May 2024, resulting in the resumption of crude oil exports via the Chinese-funded pipeline.[114] The pipeline was closed again after just one shipment of oil due to damages after a terror attack.[115]

Some major known resources in AES territory include:

Country Natural Resources[73] Other Resources
Niger uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, molybdenum, gypsum, salt, petroleum, copper, lithium[116]
Burkina Faso gold, manganese, zinc, limestone, marble, phosphates, pumice, salt, lithium,[116] copper[108] cotton
Mali gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, gypsum, granite, hydropower,[a] lithium[117][118] cotton[119]

The AES is renegotiating relationships with Western and Chinese companies to assert greater control over their resources and operations.[108][120] French firms such as Orano, TotalEnergies, and Air France are navigating challenges,[121] with Orano and TotalEnergies under scrutiny[116] and Air France seeking to resume suspended operations.[122][123][124] Canadian companies like GoviEX and Barrick Gold are impacted, as GoviEX has had its uranium licenses revoked in Niger,[125][126] and Barrick Gold is renegotiating terms in Mali.[127][128] In 2025 some mining assets within the AES were nationalized to increase government ownership in industrial mines operated by foreign entities and to boost earnings from mineral wealth.[129][120]

Chinese companies, including the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and Zijin Mining Group, are also facing challenges, with CNNC targeted for mining contract renegotiations and Zijin Mining Group working to meet AES sovereignty goals. In March 2025, Niger requested top local officials of China National Petroleum Corp, Zinder Refining Company and the West African Gas Pipeline Company Ltd. (responsible for the construction and operation of the Niger–Benin Oil Pipeline) depart the country due to contract issues.[130][131] This is a result of AES desire to update partnerships across industries and ensure equitable resource management.

Relations with neighboring countries

[edit]

Chad

[edit]

Chad has been working to strengthen relationships with AES countries to enhance regional security and counter-terrorism efforts.[132][81] Chad recently ended its defense cooperation agreement with France.[133] This move aligns Chad with the AES countries, which have also distanced themselves from France. In May 2025, the Chadian Minister of Communications and government spokesperson stated "I think it would be a good thing for Chad to join the Alliance of Sahel States."[134]

Guinea

[edit]

Mamady Doumbouya's government in Guinea, like those of the AES states, is a military junta that seized power in a coup d'état. Guinea has ignored border restrictions imposed by ECOWAS and given the AES access to its ports, which allowed Mali to import Russian grain and fertilizer.[135]

Senegal

[edit]

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been urging both ECOWAS and the AES states to engage in dialogue and work together to address common challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and poverty.[136]

Togo

[edit]

Togo has been actively collaborating with AES member countries on security and economic initiatives.[132] Togo has also launched the Global Peace and Security Alliance (GPSA), an initiative aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration among various global platforms dedicated to peace and security. This initiative was announced during the Lomé Peace and Security Forum in November 2024. Through this initiative, Togo can further collaborate with the AES as well as other countries.[137]

In January 2025, Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey announced that the Togolese government had not ruled out Togo joining the Confederation of Sahel States. "It's not impossible," he said.[138][139] In March 2025, Robert Dussey reaffirmed that Togo was considering joining the Confederation of Sahel States.[140] This coincided with a poll published in March 2025 stating the majority in Togo favor their country joining the AES.[141]

The AES and Togo are working to establish an interconnected customs area. This would also allow the landlocked AES countries to use Togo's Lomé port without large tariffs. Use of ports has been a source of tension between the AES and the coastal countries in ECOWAS.[142][143] Togo and Burkina Faso signed an agreement to eliminate roaming charges for incoming calls between the two countries starting 30 May 2025.[144]

Ghana

[edit]

While president-elect John Dramani Mahama, elected on 7 December 2024, proposed an initiative to support the AES in combating terrorism.[145] He urged neighboring countries and international organizations, like ECOWAS, to address the crisis in the Sahel, which has become a hub for terrorist activity. The Sahel region has seen a rise in terrorist threats from groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State in recent, affecting both safety and development.[145] Mahama stated that this instability threatens not only the Sahel but all of West Africa. He called on countries like Ghana, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, and Benin to play a more active role in supporting the region.[145] On 21 January 2025, Ghana appointed a special envoy to the Confederation of Sahel States, Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, who was tasked with bridging Ghana's relations with members of the Alliance of Sahel States.[146]

Algeria

[edit]

For many years the Algerian government played a role as a mediator in Mali's internal conflicts, especially with Tuareg rebel groups in northern Mali,[147] but recent developments have distanced the two sides. A Malian drone was shot down near the Algerian border on 31 March 2025. The AES has called the act a violation of international law and "proof" of state-sponsored terrorism by Algeria. Mali's Prime Minister denied Algerian claims that the drone had violated Algerian airspace, adding that Mali would file a complaint with international bodies.[148]

Mali has withdrawn its ambassador to Algeria over the issue, stating "The destruction of the drone has the effect, if not the aim of hindering the neutralization of armed groups that have claimed responsibility for terrorist acts.'". This incident highlights rising tensions and a strained relationship between Algeria and the AES.[149]

Foreign partners & relations

[edit]
Main article: Wagner Group activities in Africa

The AES has been taking actions to diminish the influence and control of former colonial power France over its resources, territory, diplomatic relations, and trade.[16] As part this realignment, the nations of the AES have been seeking new partnerships to fill the vacuum left by France's exit. This has resulted in an intention to increase economic and security cooperation with Russia, Turkey, China, Iran, North Korea,[150] and Afghanistan.[151][152]

Russian involvement notably includes a joint satellite program with Roscosmos,[153][deprecated source?] and military assistance from the Wagner Group to counter insurgencies.[154]

In June 2025, Russia signed nuclear cooperation agreements with Burkina Faso and Mali for the peaceful use of atomic energy, infrastructure development, and energy security. The Burkina Faso–Russia Agreement, Finalized during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, includes building a nuclear power plant, developing regulations, and training specialists.[155] Rosatom also pledged scholarships and technical support, aiming to address Burkina Faso's severe electricity shortage. In June 2025 only about 20% of Burkinabes had access to power. The Mali–Russia Agreement, Signed during Assimi Goita's visit to Russia, includes nuclear infrastructure, safety regulations, training, and applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry. The agreement is expected to boost Mali's energy autonomy and reduce reliance on imports.[156]

Turkey's foreign, defense, and energy ministers met with their counterparts in Niger to discuss new deals in the areas of security and defense, trade, energy, and mining on 17 July 2024[157][158] and had military contractors in Niger as of January 2025.[159] Iran and Niger signed a joint cooperation agreement during the third meeting of their Joint Economic Committee on the sidelines of the Iran Expo 2025 in April 2025.[160]

In March 2025, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali further distanced themselves from France by announcing their decisions to withdraw from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), an international organization established in 1970 in Niamey, Niger, to promote the French language and encourage cooperation among French-speaking nations. Although the three AES countries are founding members of the OIF, they were suspended from the organization following the coups that brought military leadership to power, and consider the organization "a politically manipulated instrument".[161][162]

The AES has expressed strong opposition to Ukrainian support of rebels in the Sahel after comments by Ukrainian officials in August 2024 stating they had supported Jihadists in an ambush that killed Malian soldiers.[163][164][165] The AES has called on the United Nations to take action against Ukraine and accused Ukraine of supporting terrorism in the Sahel. As a result, Mali and Niger have severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine.[166][167] In response to Mali's diplomatic conflict with Ukraine, its ally Sweden severed several million kronor worth of aid to Mali and cut diplomatic ties.[36]

Leadership

[edit]
Country Name Role Start of term End of term
Mali Assimi Goïta President of Alliance of Sahel States 6 July 2024 6 July 2025
Niger Abdourahamane Tchiani President of Niger 26 March 2025[168] 26 March 2030
Niger Abdourahamane Tchiani President of Niger – National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland 28 July 2023 26 March 2025[168]
Niger Salifou Modi Vice President of Niger – National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland 27 July 2023 —
Niger Ali Lamine Zeine Prime Minister of Niger 8 August 2023 —
Burkina Faso Ibrahim Traoré President of Burkina Faso 30 September 2022[169] Incumbent
Burkina Faso Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo Prime Minister of Burkina Faso 7 December 2024 —
Burkina Faso Apollinaire J. Kyélem de Tambèla Prime Minister of Burkina Faso (Former) 21 October 2022 6 December 2024
Mali Assimi Goïta President of Mali 8 July 2025[170][171] 8 July 2030
Mali Assimi Goïta Interim President of Mali 28 May 2021 3 July 2025[171]
Mali Abdoulaye Maïga Prime Minister of Mali 21 November 2024 —
Mali Choguel Kokalla Maïga Prime Minister of Mali (Former) 6 June 2021 21 November 2024

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are known but not exploited.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Burkina, Mali et Niger: l'hymne de l'AES joué pour la première fois dans les palais présidentiels" [Burkina, Mali and Niger: AES anthem played for the first time in presidential palaces] (in French). 10 June 2025. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  2. ^ a b "The World Factbook". cia.gov. Retrieved 7 June 2024.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain: CIA World Factbook
  3. ^ a b "World Economic Outlook database: April 2024". imf.org. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  4. ^ "Alliance of Sahel States". UIA Global Civil Society Database. uia.org. Brussels, Belgium: Union of International Associations. Yearbook of International Organizations Online. 2024. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  5. ^ a b "West Africa bloc warns of 'disintegration' as juntas form 'Confederation of Sahel States'". France 24. 8 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Chad, Mauritania pave way for dissolution of G5 Sahel alliance". Al Jazeera. 6 December 2023. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger sign mutual defense pact". Le Monde. 16 September 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  8. ^ "Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso establish Sahel security alliance". Al Jazeera. 16 September 2023. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
  9. ^ a b Diallo, Tiemoko; Felix, Bate (16 September 2023). Neely, Jason (ed.). "Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso sign Sahel security pact". Reuters. Archived from the original on 16 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  10. ^ "Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso military leaders establish security alliance". France 24. 16 September 2023. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
  11. ^ a b Smith, Elliot (12 February 2024). "Russia's Wagner Group expands into Africa's Sahel with a new brand". CNBC. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  12. ^ Smith, Elliot (8 February 2024). "West African coup juntas threaten to quit regional block: What it means". CNBC. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  13. ^ Bhattacharya, Samir (1 March 2024). "The Alliance of Sahel States: A regional crisis in troubled West Africa". Observer Research Foundation. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  14. ^ a b Millar, Paul (12 July 2024). "Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso: How a triumvirate of military leaders are redrawing West Africa's map". France 24. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  15. ^ a b "Économie Afrique de L'Ouest Mali, Burkina, Niger: une monnaie commune est-elle crédible ?". Jeune Afrique (in French). 12 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  16. ^ a b Prashad, Vijay; Alexandra, Zoe (28 September 2023). "Is this the end of French neo-colonialism in Africa?". The Daily Star. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  17. ^ Okafor, Chindu (8 April 2025). "Niger downgrades French as it distances from its colonial past with a new official language". Business Insider. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  18. ^ "Mali Junta Renames Colonial French Street Names". Barron's. Agence France-Presse. 18 December 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  19. ^ "New wave of anti-colonial populism sweeps Francophone Africa ". Quartz. 6 June 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
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Further reading

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