Africa

Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali forge ahead with Tri-State confederation plan

Published

1 year ago

February 18, 2024

Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali forge ahead with Tri-State confederation plan

The governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all under military leadership, have announced their intention to move forward with the formation of a confederation, according to statements from the Malian foreign ministry on Thursday. This development comes as the three nations deepen their connections through an alliance, posing a challenge to broader integration efforts across West Africa.

Recent reports reveal that the military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger declared their withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS on January 28. In a joint statement, the leaders emphasized that this decision to exit the Economic Community of West African States was a “sovereign” one, to be executed promptly.

Furthermore, the leader of Niger’s military junta, Abdourahamane Tchiani, reiterated on Monday their commitment to remaining outside of the regional bloc, ensuring that none of the Sahel nations would seek reentry.

According to Reuters, during a meeting in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, the three countries’ ministers affirmed their collective determination to depart from ECOWAS and pursue collaboration under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) agreement. In an online statement, the Malian foreign ministry elaborated that they have reiterated their dedication to advancing the AES and establishing the Tri-State Confederation.

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While specifics regarding the operational framework of the proposed confederation remain undisclosed, the group has signalled a commitment to addressing political, economic, and security interests. These efforts are particularly pertinent as the region contends with a protracted battle against Islamist insurgents, which has led to significant destabilization.

Last November, finance ministers from the three nations announced their intention to explore the possibility of establishing a monetary union. Additionally, high-ranking officials from each country have expressed varying support for abandoning the CFA franc, the common currency of West Africa.

The military governments’ decisions to sever longstanding military ties with France, their former colonial ruler, have further reshaped the regional landscape. This move has diminished France’s influence in the Sahel and posed challenges to international efforts aimed at combating militants associated with groups like al Qaeda and Islamic State.

Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali forge ahead with Tri-State confederation plan

Africa

Okada rider allegedly stabbed to death by wife over money

Published

1 day ago

March 31, 2025

Trends Admin

Jeff and Geoffrey Oumaa

Okada rider allegedly stabbed to death by wife over money

A Bodaboda operator identified as Geoffrey Ouma, was allegedly stabbed to death by his wife in their home in Ongata Rongai town, Kenya after he returned with less money than usual.

Witnesses reported that the man fondly called Jeff, had just come back from work, having earned significantly less due to heavy rainfall affecting business.

His wife confronted him about the household items that they lacked and demanded that he provided the money to get them. When he was unable to do so, an argument ensued between them.

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In a fit of rage, she rushed to the kitchen to grab a knife.

Sensing the imminent danger, the Bodaboda operator attempted to flee but slipped and fell on the floor.

The wife then stabbed him in the chest, ending his life instantly.

By the time neighbors arrived, it was too late; he was already dead.

The two have been married for around 5 years and have a child.

It was gathered that the Ongata Rongai Police have arrested the woman.

Okada rider allegedly stabbed to death by wife over money

Africa

W’African juntas impose levy on imported goods from ECOWAS nations

Published

1 day ago

March 31, 2025

Trends Admin

W’African juntas impose levy on imported goods from ECOWAS nations

West African neighbours Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have announced a new 0.5% levy on imported goods as they seek to fund a new three-state union after leaving the larger regional economic bloc, they said in a statement.

The Alliance of Sahel States began in 2023 as a security pact between the military rulers of the three countries, who all took power in coups in recent years.

It has since grown into an aspiring economic union with plans for biometric passports and closer economic and military ties.

The levy was agreed on Friday and will take effect immediately.

It will affect all goods imported from outside the three countries, but will not include humanitarian aid, the statement said.

It will “finance the activities” of the bloc, it said, without giving details.

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The move ends free trade across West Africa, whose states have for decades fallen under the umbrella of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and highlights the rift between the three states that border the Sahara Desert and influential democracies like Nigeria and Ghana to the south.

The juntas of the three countries announced plans to leave ECOWAS last year, accusing the bloc of failing to assist in their fight against Islamist insurgents and ending insecurity.

ECOWAS had imposed economic, political and financial sanctions on the three in a bid to force them to return to constitutional order, to little effect.

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are some of the poorest countries in the world and have been overrun by an armed Islamist insurgency over the past decade.

The violence, committed by groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, has killed thousands, forced millions to flee, and eroded faith in the democratically-elected governments who initially struggled to contain it.

W’African juntas impose levy on imported goods from ECOWAS nations

Africa

Niger coup leader sworn in as president for five years

Published

5 days ago

March 27, 2025

Trends Admin

Niger’s military ruler Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani

Niger coup leader sworn in as president for five years

Niger’s military ruler Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani has been sworn in as the country’s president for a transitional period of five years.

Tchiani has led the country since 2023, after he deposed Niger’s elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.

On Wednesday, Tchiani took the presidential office under a new charter that replaces the West African country’s constitution.

He was also promoted to the highest military rank of army general in the country and signed a decree ordering that all political parties be dissolved.

During the ceremony in Niamey, Tchiani said of his new military rank, “I receive this distinction with great humility… I will strive to live up to the trust placed in me.”

The transition to democratic government is consistent with the recommendations of a commission formed following national deliberations.

The new charter states that this five-year timeframe is “flexible” based on the country’s security position.

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Niger has been plagued by Islamist attacks for years, which was one of the reasons junta officials staged their coup.

The military takeover came after a number of others in the region; adjacent Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso are also ruled by dictatorships.

All four countries have split ties with erstwhile colonial power France, forming new alliances with Russia.

And all save Guinea have pulled out of ECOWAS, the West African regional group.

Niger’s relations with ECOWAS broke down when the junta demanded a three-year transition period to democratic governance directly after the coup.

Ecowas labelled this plot a “provocation” and vowed to interfere with force before eventually backing down.

Gen Tchiani’s regime is prosecuting former President Bazoum on charges of high treason and damaging national security.

Bazoum and his wife remain in the presidential palace, despite the fact that his son was granted provisional freedom in January.

According to state-run news agency ANP, Gen Tchiani stated that Niger’s new charter adheres to traditional constitutions while also implementing “unprecedented measures to protect our natural resources so that Nigeriens truly benefit from the exploitation of their wealth.”