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.
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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
Navy helicopters collide mid-air, 10 dead
Ten people have died after two navy helicopters collided in mid-air during a military rehearsal for a Royal Malaysian Navy parade.
One of the choppers clipped the rotor of the other before the two crashed into the ground, footage published on local media show.
The incident took place at 09:30 local time (02:30 BST) in the Malaysian town of Lumut, which is home to a navy base.
There are no known survivors.
“All victims were confirmed dead on site and the remains were sent to the [Lumut] Military Hospital for identification,” said the Royal Malaysian Navy.
It added that it will form a committee to investigate the cause of the incident.
One of the helicopters, a HOM M503-3 with seven people on board, is believed to have crashed onto a running track.
The other, a Fennec M502-6 carrying the other three victims, crashed into a swimming pool nearby.
The state’s fire and rescue department said it was alerted to the incident at 09:50 local time (01:50 GMT).
In March, a Malaysian coast guard helicopter crashed into the sea off Malaysia’s Angsa Island during a training flight.
The pilot, co-pilot and two passengers on board were found and rescued by fishermen.
Navy helicopters collide mid-air, 10 dead
BBC
Africa
League of African Ambassadors congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Faye
League of African Ambassadors congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Faye
The League of African Ambassadors, a coalition of African diplomats, extends its heartfelt congratulations to Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his historic election as the President-elect of the Republic of Senegal.
In a statement released today and signed by the President of the group, Amb. Nwannebuike Eze Ominyi, the League heralded Faye’s triumph as a significant milestone for democracy not only in West Africa but across the entire continent.
Faye’s victory underscores the resilience of democratic values and processes in Senegal.
Ominyi emphasized the transformative nature of Faye’s ascent to power, characterizing it as a generational shift in Senegal’s political landscape. He urged Faye to swiftly address the pressing social and economic challenges confronting the nation, underscoring the importance of prioritizing the well-being of Senegal’s citizens.
Faye’s remarkable victory comes a mere 10 days after his release from prison, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to democratic principles. Despite facing formidable obstacles, Faye’s courage, determination, and unwavering dedication to the democratic cause propelled him to triumph.
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The League lauded Faye’s tireless efforts to deepen democracy in Senegal and his ability to unite diverse segments of society. His extensive political experience and commitment to national development have garnered widespread support, particularly among the country’s youth.
“Faye’s years of political activism and democratic advocacy have earned him the trust and admiration of the Senegalese people,” Ominyi remarked. “His leadership will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of inspiration for other African leaders, guiding them towards inclusive governance and sustainable development.”
As Senegal charts a course towards economic recovery and political stability, Faye’s leadership promises to set a precedent for excellence and progress. The League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners stands ready to support President-elect Bassirou Faye in his efforts to build a prosperous and inclusive Senegal.
About the League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners:
The League of African Ambassadors and High Commissioners is a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting democracy, peace, and development across the African continent. Comprising distinguished diplomats and leaders, the League advocates for inclusive governance and socioeconomic progress in Africa.
League of African Ambassadors congratulates Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Faye
Africa
How Mali army killed 13 civilians in drone strikes – Amnesty
How Mali army killed 13 civilians in drone strikes – Amnesty
Mali’s army has killed at least 13 civilians, including seven children aged between two and 17, in drone strikes in the north of the country, Amnesty International said Wednesday.
One man told the London-based rights group he had lost his wife and six of his children in the night-time air raid on the area of Amasrakad on March 17.
The army had described the two strikes as “having contributed to neutralising many terrorists”, Amnesty said, but that claim was refuted by the accounts of seven survivors and witnesses.
A first strike hit a pick-up truck, then a second struck a makeshift shelter where residents had sought refuge, killing nine people instantly, Amnesty said.
Three more people died of their wounds and a woman discovered later that her unborn foetus had died.
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“It is unconscionable that whole families could be killed by drone strikes, without any accountability or justice,” said Amnesty’s Samira Daoud.
“Authorities in Mali must ensure an effective and independent investigation into the killings of these civilians.”
Mali has since 2012 been ravaged by different jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, as well as by self-declared self-defence forces and bandits.
The country has been under military rule since back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021, with the security situation compounded by a profound humanitarian and political crisis.
Amnesty says the army has intensified military operations against Al-Qaeda, IS and former rebel groups since mid-2023, regularly conducting drone strikes.
It said an increase in military operations in the regions of Kidal and Gao over the last few months had pushed many people to flee to Amasrakad.
How Mali army killed 13 civilians in drone strikes – Amnesty
AFP
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