The alliance aims to create a framework for collective defense and mutual assistance
In a recent development, three West African nations – Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger – all under military junta rule, have signed a security pact aimed at supporting one another in the event of rebellion or external aggression.
These countries have been grappling with insurgent groups associated with al Qaeda and the Islamic State, which has strained their relations with neighboring countries and international partners due to the coups that took place.
The most recent coup in Niger has further strained the relationship between these three nations and the regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOWAS has expressed its intention to use force in order to restore constitutional rule in Niger.
In response, Mali and Burkina Faso have pledged to come to Niger’s aid in the event of an attack.
“Any attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of one or more contracted parties will be considered an aggression against the other parties,” according to the charter of the pact, known as the Alliance of Sahel States.
The charter states that the other signatory states will provide individual or collective assistance, including the use of armed force.
Mali’s junta leader, Assimi Goita, announced the establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States and the signing of the Liptako-Gourma charter with the heads of state of Burkina Faso and Niger.
The alliance aims to create a framework for collective defense and mutual assistance.
It is worth noting that all three countries were previously part of the France-supported G5 Sahel alliance joint force, along with Chad and Mauritania, which was formed in 2017 to combat extremist groups in the region.
Mali has since withdrawn from the organization following a military coup, and Niger’s former president, Mohamed Bazoum, declared the force “dead” after Mali’s departure in May of last year.
These series of coups have strained the relationship between France and the three nations mentioned above, leading to a deterioration in their bilateral ties.
