Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have set up a Confederation to defend their shared geostrategic interest, sending a strong message to the Algerian regime and France, the former colonial power.
The new regional entity was announced during the first summit held over the weekend by the military rulers of the three Sahel countries in Niamey.
They signed a treaty establishing officially a confederation between them, confirming their irreversible decision of leaving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The leaders of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have pledged to enhance integration and step cooperation ties in a wide range of sectors.