Summit of ECOWAS leaders to decide on the reaction after the expiration of the ultimatum in Mali
In the coming days, a crucial summit of ECOWAS leaders is planned to determine the response to be given after the expiration of the West African ultimatum aimed at restoring constitutional order in Mali. The move comes after the military coup carried out by rebel groups in Niger, which sparked a strong reaction from the international community.
The announcement of the expiration of the ultimatum was made overnight from Sunday to Monday, leading to a series of diplomatic consequences. The Malian army responded by sending a joint official delegation with Burkina Faso to Niamey, with the aim of demonstrating solidarity between the two countries and the perpetrators of the coup. At the same time, France decided to suspend all its development aid and budgetary support actions in Burkina Faso, in response to the latter’s support for the Nigerien rebels.
This decision by France to suspend its financial aid to Burkina Faso is seen as a sanction for the support given by Ouagadougou to the military coup in Niger. Relations between France and Burkina Faso had already become strained since Captain Ibrahim Traoré came to power last year following a coup. France then noted the departure of its “Sabre” force and maintained its financial aid, unlike Mali. However, Burkina Faso’s support for the junta in Niger is interpreted by France as a choice not to seize the possibility of starting a dialogue.
The suspension of French aid to Burkina Faso has considerable financial implications. In 2022, budgetary aid amounted to 13 million euros and development aid projects were valued at more than 480 million euros. These funds were used to support projects in key sectors such as health, agriculture and energy, in a country where more than 40% of the population lives below the poverty line.
As the ECOWAS summit prepares to discuss the situation in Mali and the steps to be taken, it is clear that the political crisis in West Africa requires a concerted diplomatic response. The tensions and consequences of these latest events continue to be felt in the region, underscoring the importance of political stability and cooperation between countries.