First Independent Mena Newspaper
Intelligence agencies from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are reportedly set to release names of senior Nigerian political figures allegedly financing terrorism and aiding arms trafficking in West Africa, according to multiple regional sources. The unprecedented move follows coordinated security operations under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a bloc formed by the three countries […]
In a landmark move to boost its influence in Africa, Russia last week hosted its first official military consultations with the defense chiefs of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger — members of the recently formalized Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The high-level talks in Moscow, led by Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, concluded with the […]
The military-led governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have unveiled plans to fund a new regional investment bank with a portion of their national tax revenues, signaling a deepening break from traditional financial partners and regional bodies. Each country will contribute approximately 5% of its annual tax revenues to the bank, which aims to […]
Mali’s junta leader General Assimi Goïta has officially secured an indefinite grip on power after signing a law granting himself a renewable five-year presidential mandate without the need for elections. The law, made public Thursday (10 July), follows recommendations from a junta-led national dialogue widely boycotted by political groups. Initially celebrated as a reformist after […]
Mali’s military government has formally granted junta leader General Assimi Goïta a five-year presidential term, renewable indefinitely and without elections, marking a sharp turn away from democratic governance in the Sahel nation. The new law, adopted unanimously by 131 members of the National Transitional Council last week, states Goïta’s power may be extended “as many […]
The foreign ministers of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES – Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger) have praised Morocco’s efforts, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, to support Africa’s development. In remarks to the press Tuesday on the sidelines of the 4th United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development, held in Sevilla, the […]
In a dramatic pivot away from traditional regional alliances, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have deepened their collaboration under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), aiming to reclaim sovereignty and reshape their economic future, including through the planned launch of common currency. Born out of frustration with ECOWAS and external pressures, the AES is fast-tracking […]
As jihadist attacks escalate across West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is fast-tracking plans for a regional counter-terrorism force to confront the mounting security crisis. According to ECOWAS Commission president Omar Alieu Touray, preparations for the long-anticipated force are “in full gear,” with member countries ready to contribute troops. Finance and […]
King Mohammed VI received, on Monday at the Royal Palace in Rabat, the foreign ministers of the three countries forming the Alliance of Sahel States, namely the head of Diplomacy of Burkina Faso, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré; the Foreign Minister of Mali, Abdoulaye Diop; and the top diplomat of Niger Bakary Yaou Sangaré. This audience […]
An invitation has been extended by Ghana’s President John Mahama to the military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, to attend the upcoming ECOWAS Summit in Accra. The summit will be significant as it marks the 50th Anniversary of ECOWAS. This invitation comes despite the fact that the three Sahel countries formally cut ties […]