At the conclusion of their first summit on July 6, 2024, in Niamey, the Heads of State from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger made the decision to establish the Confederation of Sahel States. A parliamentary body is set to follow.
On Thursday, July 25, 2024, from Ouagadougou, the President of the National Transitional Council of Mali advocated for the formation of a parliament for the Alliance of Sahel States, which will be responsible for voting on laws with a confederal scope.
“Today, we are discussing the Confederation Treaty, and very soon the Confederation Parliament of the AES will be established,” said Malik Diaw, who commended the leadership and vision of the Heads of State from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
He made these remarks following a meeting with Captain Ibrahim Traoré, focusing primarily on parliamentary cooperation.
“The President of Burkina Faso urged us to strengthen the parliamentary connections that have always existed between our two countries, which will be expanded very soon,” explained the president of the CNT.
Colonel Malik Diaw also addressed the deputies of the Burkinabe Transition. In his address, he acknowledged ongoing attempts at destabilization within the AES.
“In some secretive settings within our countries, in the sub-region, and beyond, desperate plans for destabilization are being contemplated. The people of the AES will stand united against them,” he asserted.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger ratified the Liptako Gourma Charter, which established the AES in 2023. In mid-2024, they announced the formation of the Confederation of Sahel States.
Apanews
Confederation of Sahel States – A New Era for Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger
On July 6, 2024, a historic summit in Niamey witnessed the Heads of State of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger come together to create the Confederation of Sahel States. This landmark decision is poised to reshape the political landscape of the region and enhance cooperation among these nations. Following this pivotal summit, plans for a parliamentary body to support the Confederation are underway.
Establishment of the Confederation
- The Confederation aims to strengthen political, economic, and social ties between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
- At the helm of this initiative is the President of the National Transitional Council of Mali, whose advocacy for a collaborative parliament emphasizes the need for unified governance.
- The Confederation Treaty outlines the foundational principles that will govern the cooperative efforts of the three nations, aligning with the preceding Liptako Gourma Charter ratified in 2023.
Significance of a Parliamentary Framework
On July 25, 2024, during a joint meeting in Ouagadougou, Colonel Malik Diaw, the President of the CNT of Mali, highlighted the necessity for a parliamentary structure within the confederation:
“Today we are talking about the Confederation Treaty, and very soon the AES Confederation Parliament will be established.”
This parliamentary body, referred to as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Confederation Parliament, will have the authority to legislate on matters of confederal importance. This framework aims to strengthen regional governance and foster a sense of unity among the member states.
Enhancing Parliamentary Cooperation
During discussions with Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the President of Faso, both leaders underscored the value of strengthening existing parliamentary ties:
“The President of Faso invited us to strengthen the parliamentary ties that have always existed between our two countries and which will expand very soon.”
Potential Challenges and Destabilization Risks
In his address before the Burkinabe Transition deputies, Colonel Diaw addressed the looming challenges that the AES might face:
“In some hushed salons in our countries, in the sub-region and elsewhere, desperate destabilization projects are being pondered. They will find the people of the AES standing as one man before them.”
This statement reflects the awareness of potential external threats and the commitment of member states to stand united against any form of interference.
Benefits of the Confederation of Sahel States
The establishment of the Confederation of Sahel States promises a wealth of benefits:
- Improved Regional Security: A unified stance against terrorism and organized crime will enhance security within the Sahel region.
- Economic Cooperation: Joint economic initiatives can boost trade and development among the member states, leading to improved living standards.
- Cultural Exchange: Enhanced collaboration can foster cultural ties and mutual understanding among the diverse populations of the member states.
Implementation Timeline
The initial steps toward establishing the Confederation parliament and legislative frameworks will unfold in the coming months. Key milestones include:
| Timeline | Milestone |
|---|---|
| July 2024 | Summit held in Niamey – Confederation announced |
| August 2024 | Formation of parliamentary committees |
| September 2024 | Drafting of confederation laws begins |
| December 2024 | First parliamentary session of the AES |
Future of the Confederation and Global Significance
The creation of the Confederation of Sahel States marks a significant shift for Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, reflecting a growing trend of regional integration. As global dynamics evolve, this confederation could play a critical role in fostering stability, promoting peace, and enhancing regional development.
Looking Ahead: First-Hand Experiences
It will be important to monitor and document the experiences of citizens and governments as they navigate this new framework. Here are some practical tips for those interested in engaging with this process:
- Stay Informed: Follow leading news sources and official government channels to learn about updates and developments within the Confederation.
- Engage in Community Discussions: Join local forums and discussions to understand how the Confederation will impact communities.
- Advocate for Transparency: Encourage open dialogue between governments and citizens to promote accountability within the new parliamentary framework.
Conclusion
The Confederation of Sahel States represents a beacon of hope for cooperation and development in a region historically fraught with challenges. The establishment of a parliamentary body will empower member states to work collectively toward mutual goals, potentially changing the future trajectory of the Sahel.
As this confederation unfolds, the synergy of the Sahel nations could fortify their stance on the international stage and inspire similar initiatives worldwide.
