The military regimes of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso recently signed a security pact which marks the birth of a defensive alliance in the Sahel region. This pact, called the “Liptako-Gourma Charter”, aims to establish an architecture of collective defense and mutual assistance between the three countries.
The alliance, known as the “Sahel States”, aims to strengthen security and fight terrorism in the region. Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop stressed that the alliance’s priority was the fight against terrorism.
The Liptako-Gourma region, located on the border of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, has been heavily affected by terrorism in recent years. Jihadist groups have sowed terror in the region, carrying out deadly attacks against civilian populations and security forces. This alliance therefore aims to strengthen military and economic cooperation between the three countries, in order to better fight against these terrorist groups.
It is important to emphasize that this alliance was formed by military regimes, which came to power following coups in their respective countries. This situation raises concerns about the legitimacy of leaders and the political stability of the region. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has also condemned these takeovers by force, and called for the restoration of constitutional order in these countries.
It is also important to note that this alliance raises concerns about the possibility of foreign military intervention in the region. The leaders of Mali and Burkina Faso strongly condemned any attempted aggression against their countries, and promised to respond immediately.
In conclusion, the alliance of Sahel States marks a new stage in the fight against terrorism in the region. However, questions remain about the legitimacy of the ruling military regimes and the political stability of the region. It is essential that these countries work together, respecting democratic principles and guaranteeing the rights of their citizens, in order to achieve true security and stability in the Sahel.