Burkina Faso and Mali notably abstained from attending a crucial continental military meeting organized by Nigeria on Monday, reflecting the ongoing strain in relationships between the junta-led Sahel nations and their West African neighbors. This gathering featured representatives from various nations and was marked by heightened security discussions aimed at addressing shared challenges across the region.
Mali and Burkina Faso, along with Niger—also governed by military rule—had previously severed ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January, opting instead to establish their own coalition, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This decision stemmed from their determination to combat the persistent jihadist threats plaguing their territories.
Niger was the sole AES member present at the discussions, with Colonel Major Soumana Kalkoye, the embassy defense attache, representing the nation. The high-profile meeting took place in Abuja and is being touted by Nigerian officials as a landmark event for African military diplomacy, bringing together high-ranking military leaders from across the continent. The agenda focused on the development of collective strategies and promoting self-reliance in addressing Africa’s defense challenges.
Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa addressed the assembly, emphasizing the necessity for a restructured framework of African-led security collaboration. He articulated that genuine security cannot be achieved in isolation, underscoring the importance of unity among the nations in tackling cross-border threats.
Despite historical cooperation, Niger and Nigeria have faced difficulties in their military alliance, particularly when combating the Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province militants. Relations reached a nadir following the coup in Niger in 2023, which prompted ECOWAS to impose sanctions and threaten military interventions aimed at reinstating ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
However, a recent thaw in tensions has led to a security memorandum between Niger and Nigeria. Yet challenges remain, as Niger’s decision to withdraw from a regional military task force has hindered joint efforts to combat militant activities in the Lake Chad area. Meanwhile, countries like Benin are striving to counter the spillover of armed violence from the Sahel region, underscoring the complexities of regional security dynamics.
As the conference continues through Wednesday, attendees are expected to deliberate on how to enhance cooperation and address the precarious security landscape affecting West Africa.
