Sahel States Forge Mutual Defense Pact with Economic Dimensions

In a significant development, military leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic signed a mutual defense pact known as the Liptako-Gourma Charter. This landmark agreement establishes the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and aims to create an architecture of collective defense and mutual assistance for the benefit of the Sahel region’s populations. The Liptako-Gourma region, where the borders of these three countries converge, has been grappling with the scourge of jihadism in recent years.

Military and Economic Dimensions:

What sets this new pact apart from the earlier military cooperation agreement signed by the three nations is the inclusion of economic elements. While the primary focus remains on combating terrorism within their borders, this pact represents a comprehensive blend of military and economic efforts.

This development signals the emergence of a new Sahel bloc that is poised to challenge existing regional alliances like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Notably, Russia has significantly increased its presence in Mali and Burkina Faso, playing a pivotal role in shaping the region’s dynamics.

Russia’s investments in both military and economic spheres in Mali and Burkina Faso have been substantial. These countries have seen the departure of French soldiers in 2022 and UN forces in 2023. The presence of Russia’s Wagner forces, along with military and economic aid, has made Mali a key player in the Sahel. This new pact consolidates these efforts, ensuring that Russian-inspired and funded initiatives in Mali and Burkina Faso will also benefit Niger.

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French Withdrawal:

France’s decision to withdraw its troops was influenced by the changing dynamics on the ground. With this pact, the Sahel region is increasingly becoming a unified entity, granting Russia more operational freedom. This agreement allows for the direct movement of military assets and resources to Niger, bypassing Mali, making the Sahel “Trinity” a consolidated force.

As the BRICS nations seek to chart a new economic course to replace Western hegemony, the Sahel bloc is likely to align with the BRICS economic framework. This move could potentially diminish the relevance of existing regional blocs like ECOWAS and the African Union (AU).

The Ongoing Transformation:

This pact signifies a seismic shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Sahel region. It’s not just a military alliance; it’s a strategic partnership with far-reaching implications for regional dynamics. More Sahel nations may consider joining this bloc, spelling challenging times for French influence in the Sahel and, potentially, on the entire continent.

The emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States, with its military and economic dimensions, underlines the evolving power dynamics in the Sahel region. While France faces a formidable challenge, the impact of this development on regional stability and security remains to be seen. As geopolitical tides continue to shift, the future of the Sahel takes center stage on the global arena.

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