The military juntas of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso signed a treaty of confederation Saturday bringing together 72 million people into the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). It’s a decision, they say, that will not only allow the three nations to wipe the scourge of jihadist violence from their countries, but to build a new economic alliance that will reshape West Africa.
In a crowded auditorium in Niger’s capital Niamey, the world’s youngest head of state rested his gauntleted hands on the desk in front of him and thanked God. Not just, he said, for bringing forth this day, Saturday July 6, but for all that he had done and would continue to do for the people of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso – united now, Captain Ibrahim Traoré said, in the confederated Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
