The military juntas of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso signed a treaty of confederation Saturday bringing together 72 million people into the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). It’s a decision, they say, that will not only allow the three nations to wipe the scourge of jihadist violence from their countries, but to build a new economic alliance that will reshape West Africa.
The ECOWAS has mandated Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as its representative to negotiate with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso
Documents detailing new-level ties between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso were signed at a summit on Saturday
France is planning to reduce its military presence in West and Central Africa to around 600 troops in line with President Emmanuel Macron's plans to limit the French military footprint in the region, three sources told AFP.
President Emmanuel Macron has embarked on a four-country visit as he slashes the French military presence and says colonial-era habits and attitudes must die.