Junta-led - The African Mirror

Jul

08

2024

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso dumps Ecowas

NEWS

THE political and economic unity of West Africa, a powerful bloc within Africa, was thrown up in the air after three powerful states took a monumental decision this weekend. Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, three West African countries currently under military rule, have signed a confederation treaty, solidifying their intent to pursue a path independent of the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Reuters reports that the signing took place at the inaugural summit of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), marking a closer alignment between these nations in the insurgency-affected central Sahel region. The news agency notes…

Malian parties say leaders arrested amid political crackdown

NEWS

AN alliance of political parties and civil society groups in junta-led Mali said several of their leaders were arrested during a private meeting at a house of a former minister, demanding in a statement their prompt release. The West African country, which has been under military rule since a coup in 2020, in April issued a decree that restricted political life in the name of maintaining public order. The group did not say how many people were detained, but Boubacar Toure, a representative for one of the parties, told Reuters on Friday that 11 people had been arrested at the private meeting,…

Junta-led Sahel states confirm plan to form tri-state confederation

NEWS

JUNTA-LED Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger plan to proceed with the establishment of a confederation, the Malian foreign ministry said, as the three countries deepen ties via an alliance that threatens broader West African integration. The neighbours in the impoverished Sahel region announced in January they would quit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) - a decision the bloc has urged them to rethink, warning of the additional hardships this withdrawal would bring. At a meeting in the Burkinabe capital Ouagadougou, their three ministers confirmed a joint commitment to withdraw from ECOWAS without delay and continue cooperation under a pact known…