This year, the spotlight turned to Niger, where a solidarity conference was held in support of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The event, called the Conference of Solidarity with the Peoples of the Sahel, aims to provide support to countries that have been isolated from the international community following recent coups.
Created last September in the wake of the Niger crisis, the Alliance of Sahel States is both an economic and defense confederation that has attracted the attention of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) which has threatened to intervene.
The solidarity movement for the Sahel has also received support from grassroots organizations in neighboring Benin and Ghana.
At the conference, Ali Moussa, from Gabon, expressed doubts about the effectiveness of democracy in Africa. He noted that despite 60 years of independence, basic infrastructure such as roads and water is lacking. He raised crucial questions about the well-being of citizens and access to essential services such as education. These remarks reveal a cry of alarm on the urgency of concrete actions for the development of African populations.
Discussions also focused on the role of women in the fight against imperialism and neo-colonialism. Inem Richardson, founder of the Thomas Sankara Center in Ouagadougou, stressed the importance of the unity of all Africans in this fight. She emphasized the fundamental role that women can play, given their large numbers and their potential as agents of change and revolution.
Mohamed Sekou Doro, president of the support committee for the Alliance of Sahel States in Niger, praised the leadership of the three countries participating in the Alliance, calling them “visionaries”. It highlights the importance of defending the interests of women and children, while promoting their empowerment and well-being.
Recent coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have been driven by widespread discontent with leaders closely tied to the former colonial power, France. These events have been marked by ongoing security instability, particularly due to threats from Islamist groups.
The new authorities have sought alternatives to their former Western partners, turning instead to countries such as Russia, Turkey and Iran. This development underscores a desire for independence and change in international relations, while posing major security and governance challenges in the Sahel region.
In conclusion, the solidarity conference with the Sahel States highlighted crucial issues for Africa, including the need to promote sustainable development, gender equality and regional cooperation to address current challenges. These exchanges highlighted the voice of the peoples of the Sahel and their quest for solutions for a better future.