Junta chiefs ‘turn their backs’ on West Africa bloc

Niger’s army chief, talking alongside the junta chiefs from Mali and Burkina Faso, has stated they’re “irrevocably” turning their backs on the broader West African bloc, Ecowas.

The three males are assembly collectively for the primary time to cement an alliance created within the face of opposition from neighbouring nations.

Troopers took energy in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger in a collection of coups from 2020 to 2023.

All three nations – which now type the Alliance of Sahel States – have been affected by jihadist violence, partly a cause given for the military takeovers.

In January, all of them introduced a plan to go away Ecowas, which is holding its personal summit on Sunday.

Talking at Saturday’s assembly within the Nigerien capital, Niamey, the nation’s chief, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, stated that within the place of Ecowas, the junta chiefs wished to construct a group of sovereign peoples “removed from the management of overseas powers. A group of peace, solidarity, prosperity primarily based on our African values.”

Gen Tchiani is internet hosting the talks with Burkina Faso’s Capt Ibrahim Traoré and Mali’s Col Assimi Goïta.

In a message on X, the Burkinabé chief stated that “collectively, we’ll consolidate the foundations of our true independence”.

Safety co-operation is excessive on the agenda, however the alliance, identified by its French acronym AES, can even look in direction of forming nearer financial ties, together with the goal of making a typical foreign money. This is able to be a rejection of the France-backed CFA Franc, which is utilized in many states throughout the area.

All three nations have expelled French troopers who have been there as a part of an anti-jihadist mission and turned in direction of Russia for army help.

Requires better sovereignty and a rejection of the previous colonial energy have been a key a part of the rhetoric coming from the junta leaders.

The nations have additionally resisted calls from Ecowas for a speedy return to civilian rule.

Capt Traoré arrived in Niamey a day forward of the assembly and was welcomed with an enthusiastic reception. Tv photos present cheering crowds waving Nigerien and Burkinabé flags.

Amongst them was Sidi Mohamed, the top of the Nationwide Youth Council.

“Right now, as Africans, we’re very proud to see a summit the place it is an African summit, a summit the place states have determined to pool their energies, to pool their forces to create an alliance for his or her improvement, with none overseas stakeholders, with none counterparts from the powers which are used to ruling over us,” he informed journalists.

Col Goïta arrived on Saturday.

The presidents of the broader West African bloc could have their probability to reply at a heads of state assembly within the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on Sunday.

They’re additionally as a result of announce the activation of a standby drive to struggle regional insecurity.

Over the previous decade, the Sahel has grow to be an rising focus of Islamic State militant exercise, creating insecurity and instability.

The juntas in Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have to this point didn’t quell the violence.

You may additionally be curious about:

Go to BBCAfrica.com for extra information from the African continent.

Observe us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Fb at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

BBC Africa podcasts