According to Niamey, the historic day of July 6 witnessed the firm pace of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso moving hand in hand. The three heads of state – Colonel Asimi Goita (Mali), Brigadier General Abdurrahman Chiyani (Niger) and Ibrahim Traoré (Burkina Faso) – solemnly signed the Charter of the Union of States for the Sahel in Niamey, the capital of Niger. This charter is like a solid bond between the three countries, symbolizing their determination to jointly defend their homeland against foreign aggression.
Back last September, when the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger joined forces for the first time, they laid out a blueprint for collective defence and mutual assistance in the Sahel. Under this framework, any violation of the sovereignty or territorial integrity of any member state would be seen as a declaration of war against the entire alliance, triggering a comprehensive response, including from the military.
However, the three countries have faced doubts and challenges from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). At the end of January, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali announced their withdrawal from the group, claiming that they had become a threat to membership and imposing "illegal, inhumane and irresponsible sanctions" on them. Behind this decision is the resolute pursuit of freedom and dignity by the three countries, as well as their solemn declaration of the inviolability of national sovereignty.
In recent years, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have undergone changes and restructurings in their governments and militaries. Between 2021 and 2023, these countries have successively ushered in new military leadership. However, this change has resulted in the temporary loss of their seats in ECOWAS and the African Union, and they have been subject to sanctions. However, the three countries did not give in, but instead became more united in the face of adversity, and jointly resisted external pressures and challenges.
At the beginning of August 2023, participants in an emergency meeting of the chiefs of staff of ECOWAS countries adopted a response plan for the military intervention in Niger. For Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, however, this is only a small test on their path of determination. They know that only by uniting together can they defend against all external threats and protect this ancient and sacred land.