Africa
Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali forge ahead with Tri-State confederation plan
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.
READ ALSO:
- The Israel of Shaitan – Femi Fani-Kayode
- Chief Imam drags prominent traditional ruler to court over alleged plan to sack him
- Dentist shortage: UK to waive qualifying exam for foreign dentists
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
Nigeria denies alleged plot to destabilise Niger Republic
Nigeria denies alleged plot to destabilise Niger Republic
The Federal Government of Nigeria has refuted “in very strong terms” allegations that it is plotting to destabilise neighbouring Niger Republic.
The Nigerien authorities alleged that the Lakurawa terrorist group, with the help of foreign security forces, including Nigerian security forces, were responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13, 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.
However, Nigeria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Saturday signed by its acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, refuted the allegation.
“The Government of Nigeria condoles with the Government of Niger over the unfortunate attack on the oil pipeline, but informs that the perpetrators were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities.
READ ALSO:
- Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship
- Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba
- NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment
“The Government of Nigeria is strongly committed to the fight against terrorism and will not condone or support the activities of such groups.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria also expresses very serious concern and states categorically that there are no French military troops in the northern part of the country preparing to destabilize the Government of Niger.
“These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety,” the Statement read in part.
It also noted that the relationship between Nigeria and France had always been cordial, saying it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
The government of Nigeria assured that it would continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of the people of both countries.
Nigeria denies alleged plot to destabilise Niger Republic
Africa
Suspected witchdoctors arrested over attempt to ‘bewitch’ Zambia’s President
Suspected witchdoctors arrested over attempt to ‘bewitch’ Zambia’s President
Two men were detained in Zambia on charges of being “witchdoctors” tasked with attempting to bewitch the president.
The police stated they had arrested Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri in Lusaka.
“Their purported mission was to use charms to harm” President Hakainde Hichilema, according to the police statement issued on Friday.
Many individuals in the southern African country believe in and dread witches.
The police stated Mr. Candunde and Mr. Phiri were hired by Nelson Banda, MP Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda’s younger brother.
The MP was reportedly arrested last month in nearby Zimbabwe on robbery allegations, which he denies, but he has not been seen in public since.
He is also accused of escaping from detention in August while waiting to appear in court.
The opposition Patriotic Front (PF), led by z, has previously claimed that the charges are politically motivated.
READ ALSO:
- Farotimi: Advocacy group wants UK college to break ties with Afe Babalola
- Yahaya Bello walks home after release from Kuje prison Friday evening
- Fire kills family of three in Ibadan
Emmanuel Banda, who has been an independent MP since 2021, previously worked with Lungu, who lost the presidency to Hichilema that same year.
The police stated the MP’s younger brother, Nelson, was “currently on the run” in their statement.
Mr. Candunde and Mr. Phiri face charges under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act for “possession of charms,” “professing knowledge of witchcraft,” and “cruelty to wild animals.”
The pair was found with “assorted charms,” including a live chameleon, according to the authorities.
According to the police statement, they claimed they had been given more than 2 million Zambian kwacha (£58,000; $73,000) for their “mission.”
The accused are in jail and will appear in court “soon,” according to the police, although no specific date has been set for the hearing. They have not yet responded in public to the charges.
Suspected witchdoctors arrested over attempt to ‘bewitch’ Zambia’s President
Africa
South African man sentenced to six life terms for killing his relatives
South African man sentenced to six life terms for killing his relatives
-
Railway17 hours agoLagos Rail Mass Transit part of FG free train ride – NRC
-
metro2 days agoCourt stops customs from seizing imported rice in open market
-
metro3 days agoFG transfers electricity market regulatory oversight in Lagos to LASERC
-
metro2 days agoIbadan stampede: Tinubu orders probe as death toll hits 40
-
metro2 days agoAfe Babalola: Court grants Dele Farotimi bail, barred from media interviews
-
metro17 hours agoNIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment
-
metro1 day agoIbadan stampede: Ooni reacts after arrest of ex-wife
-
News2 days agoAdebayo Ogunlesi, 2 other Nigerians make Forbes 50 wealthiest Black Americans list 2024