Local reports said rationing measures now limit drivers to 20 to 30 litres per car and 5 to 10 litres for tricycles, while essential service vehicles are being prioritised. Commuters voiced frustration that shortages were hitting an oil-producing country that also refines fuel in Zinder.

The crisis comes as global oil prices rise following disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Although Niger has produced oil since 2011 and the Zinder refinery supplies about 1.1 million litres a day, demand has outstripped supply. The pressure has also been worsened by higher fuel prices in neighbouring Nigeria , which have reduced the flow of smuggled fuel that many communities in southern Niger have long relied on.

While the three juntas share similar rhetoric and have formed new regional groupings, they have struggled to translate alignment into seamless military cooperation or shared strategy against insurgent violence that moves easily across borders.

The lack of joint planning, intelligence-sharing and operational trust has left each government fighting largely on its own, undermining the idea that a Russia-backed Sahel front can deliver region-wide security gains.

Russia’s own approach is also drawing blowback. Reports of heavy-handed tactics and abuses linked to Moscow-aligned forces have fuelled resentment in some areas and, in some cases, strengthened armed groups’ recruitment narratives.

That reputational cost, combined with limited improvements on the ground, is making Russia’s offer less attractive than it looked when anti-Western sentiment was at its peak.

At the same time, Moscow no longer has the Sahel to itself. China, Türkiye and the UAE are expanding business, military and diplomatic footprints in the region, giving junta leaders more options and reducing Russia’s leverage.

“Understand this, we are going to war with France. We were not at war before, but now we are going to war,” he is quoted by French news, Le Figaro .

The declaration follows a decree on general mobilisation adopted by Niger’s Council of Ministers at the end of December. Military officials have said the move is aimed at confronting what they allege are French efforts to destabilise the country.

General Tchiani has repeatedly accused France, along with leaders in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, of supporting Islamist armed groups and backing attacks against Niger’s government . He claimed the countries were behind a January 2026 attack on Niamey Airport.

Meanwhile, France has strongly denied the allegations. Colonel Guillaume Vernet, spokesperson for the French Armed Forces General Staff, said there was “no question of French involvement” in Niger and described the accusations as “information warfare.”

Relations between Niger and France have deteriorated sharply since a military coup in July 2023 ousted the elected government. The junta demanded the withdrawal of French troops and the French ambassador, accusing Paris of neocolonial interference. Military cooperation was suspended, marking a dramatic shift from years of close security ties.

Niger, which gained independence from France in 1960, has since pivoted away from Paris as anti-French sentiment grows across parts of the Sahel region.

The intelligence agency claims that Macron has authorised a plan to “eliminate ‘undesirable leaders’ in Africa,”  comparing the strategy to historical American operations in South America.

The SVR report describes the French leadership as “refined racists from Paris” who are struggling to maintain their reputation as a “parasitic metropolis, robbing its former colonies and hindering their development”.

The agency further alleges that France is “directly supporting terrorists of various stripes” and collaborating with the “Ukrainian regime” to supply militants in the Sahel with drones and instructors to destabilise sovereign governments.

A primary target of this alleged "destructive attention" is Madagascar, where a military takeover in October 2025 ousted President Andry Rajoelina. 

The SVR claims that because the new government under Colonel Randrianirina is “committed to developing relations with BRICS,” Paris is actively “exploring ways to overthrow” the new president to “restore a loyal regime”.

The coup in Madagascar followed a period of intense domestic turmoil triggered by widespread economic discontent, with 80% of the population living below the poverty line and the country suffering from high levels of corruption. The immediate spark for the 2025 protests involved persistent power outages and water shortages in the capital, Antananarivo. 

The movement was largely driven by Generation Z activists, organised via the "Gen Z Mada" social media movement, which used symbols like the "Jolly Roger" flag from the anime One Piece to represent rebellion against oppressive systems. 

The transition of power was finalised on October 15, 2025, after the elite military unit CAPSAT aligned with demonstrators and Parliament impeached Rajoelina, who eventually fled into exile citing an assassination plot.

The SVR’s warnings of French-backed destabilisation coincide with a major security incident in Niger. 

On January 29, General Abdourahamane Tiani, leader of Niger’s military junta, accused France, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire of sponsoring a "terrorist attack" on the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey.

The assault, which involved gunfire and explosions, damaged the fuselage and wings of commercial aircraft belonging to ASKY Airlines and Air Côte d’Ivoire. During a televised address, General Tiani named President Macron as a primary sponsor of the operation. 

“We have heard them bark, they should be ready to hear us roar,” Tiani declared. He also extended specific gratitude to Russian troops stationed at the base for “defending their sector” during the skirmish.

The SVR report also links France to an attempted coup in Burkina Faso on January 3, which aimed to assassinate the country's military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. 

Russian intelligence asserts that “France’s involvement... has already been established,” and claims similar efforts are underway to overthrow President Assimi Goïta in Mali through city blockades and terror against civilians. 

The trip comes as the United States tries to move past what it described as previous policy missteps and re-engage with governments in the region on shared security and economic concerns.

“The United States looks forward to discussing next steps for enhancing US-Mali cooperation,” the statement said.

Checker is also expected to consult with other Sahel governments, including Burkina Faso and Niger, as Washington reassesses its approach in a region facing political upheaval, military rule and shifting international alliances.

The Sahel has become a key focus of global security concerns due to militant violence , repeated coups and growing foreign influence, including increased Russian engagement.

US officials said the Bamako visit is part of efforts to strengthen cooperation on regional stability and development, while recognising the sovereignty of Sahel states.

The United States established diplomatic relations with Mali in 1960, following its independence from France .

Gunfire and explosions were reported shortly before midnight near the airport, and two security sources described the incident as a “terrorist attack.” Calm was restored by Thursday morning.

The airport area was cordoned off and patrolled, although schools and businesses in Niamey remained open.

Tiani named French President Emmanuel Macron, Benin President Patrice Talon, and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara as sponsors of the alleged attack. 

He made the statement after visiting an air base and warned that Niger would respond. “We have heard them bark, they should be ready to hear us roar,” he said. Niger state television reported that one of the attackers killed was a French national, but this claim was not backed by evidence.

Security officials told Reuters that an internal alert about a possible attack led to increased security measures around the airport prior to the incident. 

The officials also confirmed that a uranium stockpile, estimated at around 1,000 metric tons, was not affected by the attack. The uranium, stored at the airport since late last year, was previously moved from the Somair mine in Arlit after the Nigerien government took control of the site from the French company Orano.

Two commercial aircraft were damaged during the attack. ASKY Airlines reported minor damage to two of its planes. Air Côte d’Ivoire confirmed that its Airbus A319 sustained damage to the fuselage and right wing. “Its fuselage and right wing” were affected, the airline said, noting that the aircraft could be grounded for an extended period. No injuries were reported.

Tiani also expressed appreciation to Russian troops stationed at the base, thanking them for “defending their sector.” Niger, like neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, continues to experience violence linked to jihadist groups affiliated with al Qaeda and Islamic State.

Earlier this month, Burkina Faso reported that it had foiled a coup attempt funded by Côte d’Ivoire to destabilise its government and assassinate military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

Former leader Lt Col Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba was arrested after being extradited from Togo, where he had fled to after allegedly masterminding the failed coup plot.

The talks covered cooperation in space exploration and the use of Russian space technologies in Burkina Faso. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to working through United Nations frameworks to address concerns about the militarisation of outer space.

During the meeting, Gorbunov presented the prime minister with Burkina Faso’s national flag, which had spent about six months aboard the International Space Station during his mission.

The engagement builds on a September agreement signed in Bamako, where officials from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger reached a deal with Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, to jointly develop telecommunications and remote-sensing satellites.

The initiative is intended to support regional priorities such as strengthening security , improving disaster response and expanding high-speed internet access.

Dr Joseph Siegle, who leads research on Russian influence in Africa at the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, said Moscow’s engagement is driven more by geostrategic goals than long-term economic investment.

Russia has positioned itself as an alternative ally by offering diplomatic backing and security cooperation to the transitional governments in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, he said.

Siegle also described the AES as largely symbolic, warning that the three governments lack the economic and security capacity to operate as a cohesive bloc. “The promotion appears intended more to enhance the international credibility of these governments than to achieve tangible regional cooperation,” he told Space in Africa .

Toumba held a meeting with the Association of Traditional Chiefs of Niger, reaffirming the role of customary authorities in national cohesion and governance . The discussion focused on social stability, community leadership, and the continued involvement of traditional institutions in addressing local challenges, underlining their influence in mediating between the state and grassroots communities.

Bakary Sangaré receives five newly appointed ambassadors in Niamey

Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakary Sangaré, formally received the credentials of five new ambassadors posted to Niamey. The diplomatic ceremony marked a step in strengthening bilateral relations and reaffirmed Niger’s engagement with international partners amid ongoing political and security transitions.

General Abdourahamane Tiani meets Chinese ambassador Lyu Guijun to discuss Niger–China relations

General Abdourahamane Tiani received China’s ambassador to Niger, Lyu Guijun, in talks focused on the state of Niger–China relations. The meeting addressed ongoing cooperation, development partnerships, and areas of mutual interest, reflecting Niger’s efforts to maintain strategic international ties following recent geopolitical shifts.

Keys handed over for 100 social housing units allocated to Nigerien civil servants

Authorities in Niger officially handed over the keys to 100 newly constructed social housing units designated for civil servants. The initiative forms part of efforts to improve living conditions , support public sector workers, and address housing shortages, particularly in urban centres.

Agronomists present a national agricultural development plan to the prime minister

A group of agronomists presented a comprehensive agricultural development plan to the Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, outlining proposals aimed at improving productivity, food security, and rural livelihoods. The plan reflects the government’s focus on agriculture as a strategic sector for economic resilience and long-term development.

This is the reality of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS. In 2025, the bloc turned 50 years old. Instead of celebrating unity and progress, it faced its most serious crisis of relevance since its founding.

This moment of doubt comes at a time when West Africa needs regional coordination more than ever. Security threats are multiplying, trade remains fragmented, mobility is expensive, and democratic institutions are fragile. As ECOWAS enters its sixth decade, fundamental questions are being asked openly. Can it still enforce democratic norms? Does it still carry economic weight? And can it survive in its current form?

Paper tiger

On paper, ECOWAS is formidable. It brings together 15 member states, represents more than 440 million people, and has a combined GDP of roughly 600 billion US dollars. That makes it one of the largest regional blocs in the Global South.

In practice, integration remains shallow. Trade between ECOWAS countries still accounts for less than 20 percent of their total trade. In more integrated regions such as the European Union, internal trade exceeds 60 percent. The comparison highlights a central weakness. ECOWAS has scale, but it lacks cohesion.

That weakness became impossible to ignore in 2025, when Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formally withdrew from the bloc. Together, these Sahelian states represent around 70 million people and nearly 17 percent of ECOWAS landmass. While they contribute less than 5 percent of total GDP, their strategic and security importance is enormous.

Their departure followed years of tension after military coups, sanctions, and repeated threats of intervention. When ECOWAS failed to act militarily after the coup in Niger, it exposed a hard truth. The bloc did not have the political consensus or operational capacity to enforce its strongest decisions.

Empty threats

The crisis of democratic enforcement did not stop there. Later in the year, disputed elections in Guinea-Bissau once again demonstrated how fragile political institutions remain in the region. The military intervened, and ECOWAS responded with condemnation, suspension, and the threat of sanctions.

This has become a familiar pattern. Since 2020, sanctions alone have rarely reversed coups. More often, they have hardened military rule and eroded ECOWAS authority. Each repetition weakens the credibility of the bloc’s commitment to democracy.

The elusive Eco

Economically, ECOWAS continues to pursue one of its oldest ambitions: a single currency. The Eco was first proposed more than 20 years ago and is now tentatively scheduled for 2027 after missing multiple deadlines.

The obstacles are structural. Nigeria alone accounts for more than 60 percent of ECOWAS GDP, while many smaller economies struggle with inflation, debt distress, and fiscal instability. Without real convergence on economic fundamentals, the Eco remains a symbolic project rather than a functional one.

These challenges are made more acute by a fragmenting global economy and shrinking foreign assistance from traditional partners in Europe and the United States . Regional self-reliance is becoming more important just as ECOWAS capacity is being questioned.

Tax-free flying

Yet amid the uncertainty, there is a reason for cautious optimism as 2026 begins.

From January, air travel across ECOWAS member states is set to become tax-free, with sharp reductions in passenger and security charges. This is one of the bloc’s most tangible policy wins in years.

The reform matters because West Africa has some of the highest intra-regional airfares in the world. It is often cheaper to fly to Europe than to a neighbouring country. If fully implemented, the changes could reduce fares by 20 to 40 percent, benefiting traders, students, tourists, and families while advancing free movement in a practical way.

Connectivity has long been neglected in African economic policy, despite its importance for growth. People want to travel, and people travelling drives commerce. Currently, international departure taxes in Africa average around $68 per trip, with West Africa the most expensive subregion. Short flights of just a few hundred kilometres can cost hundreds of dollars.

This reform requires coordination and execution more than large financial outlays. If governments create the right conditions, the private sector can step in. For ECOWAS, this could be a rare example of delivery matching ambition.

A chance for redemption

As 2025 ends, ECOWAS looks like this: large in population, fragmented in politics, slow in economic integration, weak in enforcing democracy, but still capable of delivering reforms that people can feel in their daily lives.

At 50, ECOWAS is no longer just a regional institution. It is a test case for whether African multilateralism can adapt to a changing political reality. The question now is whether the future of regional cooperation will be driven by declarations, or defined by delivery.

The answer will shape not just ECOWAS, but the credibility of regional integration across the Global South in the years ahead.

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World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

ISSN 2978-4891

This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can  contact us  here.

Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, warned that the region’s continued dependence on imports remained deeply troubling despite its vast natural wealth. He said it was unacceptable that Sahelian countries still rely on foreign supplies for basic items such as needles, matches, footwear and kitchen utensils, as well as everyday consumer goods.

Mali’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Moussa Alassane Diallo, urged closer economic complementarity among AES member states. He argued that the alliance should prioritise intra-regional trade, saying Mali’s gold should benefit Niger and Burkina Faso, Niger’s oil should supply Mali and Burkina Faso, and Burkina Faso’s iron resources should be used to support development across the region.

Burkina Faso’s Minister of Trade , Serge Gnaniodem Poda, said the meeting demonstrated a shared determination to translate the vision of AES leaders into practical outcomes. He stressed the need for a strong national private sector, describing it as dynamic, patriotic, committed and disciplined.

Poda added that the AES offers a rare opportunity to rebuild member economies and establish a genuinely integrated regional market.

The discussions are part of broader efforts to put in place the legal and institutional foundations of the Sahel Alliance, ahead of a Heads of State Conference scheduled to take place later this month.

Watch the full interview:

However, subsequent reports show an increase in terrorist activity across the Sahel. Armed groups continue to grow in strength and territorial reach, leading to instability across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These three countries formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2023 as part of a collective defence initiative.

United Nations reports highlight widespread violence, noting that entire communities have been displaced in Burkina Faso, northern Mali, and western Niger. This displacement stems from continued clashes between armed groups, intercommunal violence, and military operations.

In Mali, the Security Council reports that Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate, has launched attacks on over 100 fuel tankers and abducted fuel truck drivers near the capital, Bamako, and other locations.

The Nile, which stretches an extraordinary 6,650 km, remains not only the longest river in Africa but one of the longest on Earth. It threads through 11 countries, from Burundi and Uganda to Sudan and Egypt, forming the backbone of agriculture and life along its banks.

Nearly 300 million people depend directly on the Nile Basin for survival.

Flowing west to east, the Niger River, at 4,200 km, is the lifeline of West Africa, curving through Guinea, Mali, Niger and Nigeria before emptying into the Gulf of Guinea.

It supports millions of farmers and fishers and anchors some of the region’s largest urban centres. The Niger Basin Authority notes that the river sustains over 160 million people in nine countries.

In Central Africa, the Congo River runs 4,700 km, carving through one of the world’s largest rainforest ecosystems. It carries more water than any river in Africa and is second only to the Amazon globally.

The Congo Basin is home to over 80 million people and provides critical carbon storage for the planet, a fact repeatedly emphasised in global climate discussions.

To the south, the Zambezi River, which spans 2,600 km, crosses Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is the river behind Victoria Falls and fuels major hydroelectric projects such as the Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams, which power much of southern Africa.

Despite the continent's numerous water resources, the Horn of Africa continues to experience climate-driven droughts alternating with destructive floods, which amplify tensions over Nile water rights.

Hydropolitics, the politics of water, is increasingly shaping diplomatic relations. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), for instance, remains a focal point of negotiation between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt.

What the data shows

Drawing on 12 years of satellite observations (2013 - 2025) across the three countries, researchers mapped changes in vegetation, rainfall and surface water . They found a measurable relationship between forest loss and freshwater decline in Niger and Nigeria, every 1,000 hectares of forest lost corresponded to an average loss of 9.25 hectares of surface water.

In Ghana, the headline problem is water quality rather than volume, forest loss is closely associated with murkier, more polluted surface water, complicating treatment and raising health risks. “In the past 12 years, Ghana has lost 24,800 hectares of vegetation, and Nigeria has lost 27,000 hectares per year. This is a huge risk for available freshwater. Whilst short-term increases in rainfall linked to climate change may hide the real impact of this deforestation, as in Ghana, in the long term, the water cycle has been pushed off kilter, and freshwater is at risk,” the research stated.

In Niger, despite a modest net gain of 101,000 hectares of vegetation over the study period, 99.5% of the country’s available surface freshwater is now at risk of sedimentation and poor quality. However, the report states that, “over the same period, Niger has gained 101,000 hectares of vegetation through planned reforestation work. This activity has helped reclaim freshwater, reversing this alarming trend. Each 1,000 hectares of vegetation gained in Niger contributes to an 11.6-hectare increase in available freshwater.”

In Nigeria, about 85.6 million people live in areas highly vulnerable to surface water loss linked to deforestation. The country lost roughly 324,000 hectares of vegetation (about the size of Birmingham per year) between 2013 and 2025. Again, in Ghana, with an estimated 298,000 hectares of vegetation lost, the principal challenge is deteriorating surface water quality. Rivers and reservoirs are increasingly burdened by sediment and pollutants, making treatment costlier and interruptions more frequent. 

The study further showed that unsafe water drives diarrhoeal disease, strains health systems, and erodes household incomes as families pay more for treatment and alternative sources.

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development's head of Research and Strategic Planning, MacDonald Goanue told Global South World

An immediate problem for the bank has been that it has had to delay the sale of Eurobonds: “Because of the geopolitical situation and rising tariffs in the United States, the cost of funding has gone up,” Goanue said in an exclusive interview at the Crans Montana Forum. “Given the fact that we are a non-investment-grade bank, we are waiting to see how the market cools down before we can go.”

For Goanue, this is not a problem confined to EBID. It reflects a deeper flaw in the international financial architecture. Credit rating agencies, he argues, apply methodologies that “tend to punish” African countries because of structural factors - security risks, low per-capita incomes, shallow domestic markets - that are hard to change overnight. When West African regional entities try to raise capital, they end up paying nine or ten percent interest - sometimes even 12 percent - far higher than institutions elsewhere.

While a major part of the answer lies in debt forgiveness, countries can also improve their situations but developing deeper domestic capital markets, he argued. However he cautioned against following artificial deadlines for the introduction of a single currency - the Eco is still official slated for 2027.

"I think the leadership of ECOWAS is playing cautious, because they want to be sure that they don't want to go into an arrangement tomorrow that will collapse," he said, adding that intraregional trade only accounted for perhaps 8 percent within the block against 77 percent in the euro area prior to the introduction of the Euro.

Powering growth

Against this backdrop, EBID’s core mission is to finance infrastructure—especially energy. Access to electricity in West Africa is among the lowest in the world, a bottleneck that constrains industrialisation, raises costs for basic services, and feeds inflation. Nigeria, the region’s largest economy, still faces enormous deficits in power supply, while only a few countries like Cape Verde and Côte d’Ivoire have relatively high coverage.

Goanue, himself Liberian, paints a vivid picture: without reliable electricity, shops close at sunset, hospital services cost more to run, and even banks struggle with overheads. “With electricity access, there will be a 24-hour economy,” he said. “Small businesses can stay open later, people feel safer, and factories can be powered. It will create the entrepreneurial spirit.”

EBID has already financed power plants in Benin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire and is seeking to increase its footprint in Nigeria. One flagship example is the Maria Glater plant in Benin, which the bank has supported. Yet the scale of the challenge is immense, and Goanue is cautious about promising big breakthroughs in the next 12 months. “It takes time,” he said, noting that the bank also funds connecting roads and other infrastructure that underpin regional trade.

Climate considerations

How does EBID square this urgent need for energy with global pressure to shift away from fossil fuels? Goanue admits it is not easy. “It’s not possible to end investment in fossil fuels immediately,” he said. Nigeria’s budget, for example, still relies heavily on oil revenues, and new discoveries are seen as good news by African governments. EBID does have environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies, and most of its member states subscribe to the Paris Climate Accord, but Goanue emphasises that transition will take time. “There is a way you can make these things clean,” he said. “We want to invest into clean energy, but we have to balance it.”

Managing a split

Guanoe is evidently proud of his institutions pragamtic approach to the biggest challenge ECOWAS has faced in recent times - the departure or Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger - reducing the bloc's membership to twelve. With major major exposure in these states - about 23 percent of its portfolio or more than $200 million - the bank has resisted pressure to pull out completely.

Instead, the bank has persuaded ECOWAS leaders to let it continue disbursing funds for ongoing projects and to keep staff from these countries in place. Goanue likens the approach to how British citizens were treated in EU institutions after Brexit. “We are careful and circumspect to ensure that our facilities are repaid,” he said. Burkina Faso has stayed current on its restructured repayments, Mali has restarted payments, and Niger is making token transfers despite fiscal stress.

This pragmatic stance is driven by economic as much as political logic. If EBID simply withdrew, non-performing loans would spike, undermining its own creditworthiness and pushing up borrowing costs further. In addition, nobody benefits if projects already paid for are not completed.

A brighter future

Despite the obstacles, Goanue remains optimistic. West Africa’s population exceeds 480 million—roughly the size of the European Union —but its GDP is only around $700 billion, and per-capita incomes and banking penetration are low. Building deeper domestic markets, harmonising regulations, and moving toward a single currency are all on the agenda.

What gives him hope is demographics. The region’s average age is under 20, offering a potential “youth dividend” if the right investments in capacity and infrastructure are made.

“Since the removal of its troops from Niger in 2023, the government has implemented a sneaky and subversive destabilisation plan, informing, training, financing, and equipping terrorists, with unfortunate attempts to create the conditions for an inter-ethnic conflict in Niger and the Sahel,” he remarked.

Zeine accused France of running a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at discrediting Niger’s institutions, political leaders, and army, while also trying to create permanent political tension between Niger and its neighbours.

“This is accompanied by an unprecedented economic and financial war, notably in France’s hateful intent to sabotage all our development projects by demobilising investors and systematically voting against Niger in international financial institutions such as the African Development Bank, the World Bank , and the IMF,” he said.

Since the military-led government in Niamey forced French troops to withdraw last year, relations have soured further, with Niger accusing Paris of meddling in its internal affairs and undermining its sovereignty.

What they said

“The ICC has proven itself incapable of handling and prosecuting proven war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide, and crimes of aggression,” the three countries said in their joint statement , adding that the court had “transformed into an instrument of neocolonial repression in the hands of imperialism.” They accused the tribunal of being “a global example of selective justice” and declared their intention to develop “indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice.”

The latest statement builds on proposals raised at an earlier AES meeting in Bamako, where ministers discussed creating a Sahelian Criminal and Human Rights Court and establishing a high-security prison to try terrorism cases locally, reducing what they described as “dependence” on international justice institutions.

The AES, which brings together military-led governments in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, has frequently accused Western governments and media of undermining its security campaigns. Alongside the allegations against France and Ukraine, AES authorities have suspended broadcasts by France 24, RFI, and TV5Monde, and launched an investigation into a France 24 journalist over alleged ties to jihadist groups.

Türkiye and Niger signed a Military Financial Cooperation Agreement on Thursday, July 24, during the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 in Istanbul. The agreement was signed by Turkish Deputy National Defence Minister Alpaslan Kavaklioglu and Niger’s National Defence Ministry General Secretary Sani Kache. The six-day defence fair, which began on Tuesday, is being held at the Istanbul Fair Centre, Ataturk Airport, Wow Hotel, and Atakoy Marina. IDEF 2025 is organised by KFA Fairs with support from Türkiye’s Defence Industries Secretariat (SSB) and the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation.

Nigeria collaborates with Sahel militaries on regional security

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, stated on Thursday that the country is working with the armed forces of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to address transnational security threats in West Africa. He emphasised that regional interdependence necessitates cross-border military cooperation. He made this statement during the 2nd Distinguished Personality Lecture organised by the TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Security Management at the University of Ibadan. He noted that while the three nations may be politically distant, military collaboration continues, and Nigeria remains committed to supporting them to promote regional stability.

U.S. suspends visa services in Niger

The United States has suspended all routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa services at its embassy in Niamey, Niger, until further notice, according to a State Department spokesperson and an internal cable dated July 25. No reason was given in the cable, but the spokesperson stated the pause would remain in effect until Washington addresses "concerns with the Government of Niger". The cable also directed consular officers in other locations to apply heightened scrutiny to non-immigrant visa applications from Nigerien nationals. It cited overstay rates of 8% for visitor visas and 27% for student and exchange visas.

HRW urges Niger junta to release ex-president Bazoum after 2-year detention 

Human Rights Watch has called for the immediate release of former Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, detained since a military coup in 2023 led by General Abdourahamane Tiani. Bazoum and his wife have been held since the overthrow of his government. The rights group condemned the detention as politically motivated and said it undermines the junta's claims to democratic legitimacy. A regional ECOWAS court previously ruled Bazoum’s detention arbitrary and ordered his release. Despite this, a Nigerien court lifted Bazoum’s presidential immunity to allow prosecution for alleged offences committed during his presidency. Human Rights Watch criticised the judicial process, stating it failed to meet international fair trial standards.

AES ministers agree to fast-track launch of confederal investment bank

Finance and economy ministers of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have agreed to expedite the operationalisation of the Confederal Bank for Investment and Development (BCID-AES). Meeting in Niamey, the ministers committed to releasing the required capital within the set timeframe. The BCID-AES, established by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, is intended to support long-term economic development and financial sovereignty across the bloc.

The vehicle was developed by Guedesign Automotive, a Niamey-based manufacturer. According to a report by Defence Blog , the Tamgak Wangari is designed to meet the specific operational needs of the Sahel region, including extreme heat, soft sand, and rugged terrain.

Guedesign Automotive describes the vehicle as offering “high mobility, structural resilience, and ease of maintenance in austere environments with minimal infrastructure ”. 

The company added that the Tamgak Wangari was built entirely in Niger by local engineers and technicians. 

“After 5 months of sweat, sleepless nights, plans, bolts and black coffee... he's finally here. Introducing the first-ever 100% Nigerian military buggy, designed, assembled and refined in our own workshops, by a team that is as passionate as they are stubborn,” the company stated in a Facebook post .

The name “Tamgak” refers to the Tamgak mountains in the Aïr region, which are known for their strength and endurance. “Wangari” symbolises struggle and national pride in local innovation.

Guedesign Automotive further stated that the vehicle was developed not only as a tactical platform but also as a representation of Niger’s sovereignty and industrial self-reliance. 

Niger is currently facing security challenges alongside Mali and Burkina Faso. The three countries have also experienced strained diplomatic ties with Western nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In January, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) formally withdrew from ECOWAS after refusing to meet conditions for the restoration of civilian rule.

In March, the military government led by General Abdourahamane Tiani designated Hausa as the national language , replacing French.

“The national language is Hausa,” parts of the document said, while French and English will still be used as working languages.

Hausa is the most widely spoken language in Niger. Many people in the country, especially in places like Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua, speak and understand it.

Niger has a population of about 26 million, and most of them speak Hausa daily compared to the about three million people who speak French.

The decision comes after a national meeting was held in February. That meeting also gave the head of the military government , General Abdourahamane Tiani, the power to stay in charge for the next five years.

This move is part of a series of actions by the current leaders since they took power in July 2023.

Back then, the army removed elected president Mohamed Bazoum. Since then, Niger has cut ties with France, asked French soldiers to leave, and changed the names of streets and buildings that were linked to France.

Niger is now following a similar path as Mali and Burkina Faso. These neighbouring countries have also removed French influence from their systems and left the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, which promotes the French language and culture.

The government also announced that nine other local languages, such as Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, will be officially recognised as languages spoken by the people of Niger.

One local teacher, Amina Garba, said, “For the first time, many of us feel like our voices truly matter. Our language is finally being respected.”

Joel Ahofodji, Head of Communication for the ECOWAS Commission, confirmed the meeting and said all issues, including possible responses, would be discussed.

He told reporters, "ECOWAS will have an Extraordinary Council on the 22nd of April. All these issues will be discussed."

The AES, formed by the military governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, started collecting the new import tax on March 28.

The levy does not apply to humanitarian aid but affects all other goods entering the three countries.

This move has raised concerns because it goes against ECOWAS’s goal of free trade within the region.

Even after Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso left ECOWAS in January 2025, the regional bloc said it would continue to treat their goods and services under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, which allows duty-free movement.

The new tax could disrupt trade, raise costs, and weaken the regional free trade agreement. Relations between ECOWAS and the three countries have been tense since early 2024 when the three states left the bloc.

The AES countries accused ECOWAS of failing to help them fight terrorism and criticised sanctions that hurt their populations. Although ECOWAS later removed the sanctions, the three countries did not rejoin.

ECOWAS has said it is open to discussions if the AES nations wish to return. The bloc has also introduced measures to ease the impact of the split, including duty-free trade, visa-free movement, and residence for citizens.

Meanwhile, Niger has left the Multinational Joint Task Force, a regional military force that has fought Islamist insurgents in the Lake Chad region since 2015. The force includes troops from Nigeria , Chad, and Cameroon.

The three countries, which are all led by military governments, announced the tax to support their new union, the Alliance of Sahel States.

This alliance began in 2023 as a security pact but now aims to become an economic union with plans for biometric passports and closer military and economic ties.

The new tax means goods from other West African countries will no longer enter Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger freely.

This marks a break from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional group that has promoted free trade across West Africa for decades.

The decision highlights the growing divide between the three Sahel countries and democratic nations like Nigeria and Ghana to the south.

While the disease can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and with medical treatment, the number of people dying from the same is startling. Nearly 600,000 persons died from Malaria globally according to 2023 WHO statistics, with 263 million malaria cases recorded.

Out of this number, 246 million, representing 94% and 569,000 representing 95% respectively were recorded in the WHO African Region.

Children under 5 suffered the most, with about 76% of deaths coming from that category in the region. In this article, we put together a list of countries with some of the highest malaria mortality rates:

1. Nigeria

Nigeria can be said to be leading the malaria burden globally, accounting for approximately 31% of all malaria deaths worldwide. In 2022, the country reported nearly 200,000 malaria-related deaths. Children under five and pregnant women are the most affected groups, with a national malaria prevalence rate of 22% among children aged 6-59 months as of 2021, according to the WHO .

2. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

As a result of its tropical regions and other major challenges in DRC's healthcare infrastructure, high incidence and mortality rates associated with malaria are consistently recorded in the country. ​The country currently accounts for approximately 12% of global malaria deaths.

3. Niger

Malaria is a leading cause of death in Niger, representing approximately 6% of global malaria deaths. The country's predominantly rural population and limited access to healthcare services make malaria a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. ​

4. Tanzania

Approximately 4% of Tanzanians die globally from malaria deaths, according to the World Health Organisation. Despite ongoing control efforts, malaria remains a major public health issue, particularly affecting children under five years old.

5. Mozambique

Mozambique contributes to approximately 4.2% of global malaria deaths. The country's climate and environmental conditions promote malaria transmission, leading to significant health impacts. 

6. Uganda

Uganda has relatively higher numbers compared to other African countries as far as number of global malaria deaths are concerned. With an estimated 5.1% of global malaria deaths , malaria is endemic across the country, with high transmission rates posing substantial health risks to the population.

7. Angola

Angola represents approximately 3.4% of global malaria deaths. Many, particularly pregnant women and children die from malaria in this part of Africa, according to statistics available to the World Health Organisation.

8. Burkina Faso  

Burkina Faso contributes to about 3.2% of global malaria deaths. According to the World Health Organisation, the high transmission rates are a significant public health concern, especially in rural areas. ​

9. Mali

Mali accounts for approximately 3.2% of global malaria deaths. The country's malaria situation poses ongoing challenges to public health efforts. ​

10. Cameroon

Cameroon represents about 2.6% of global malaria deaths. Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with children under five being the most vulnerable.

Here's a video compilation:

The Niger Petroleum Company, SONIDEP, is rationing the fuel, but residents say this is not helping their daily lives.

Some drivers have to go from one part of the capital, Niamey, to another just to find a few litres of petrol, according to local reports .

Moussa Kassou, a local driver, said he wasted fuel just searching for more. "I drove all the way to Boukoki, and they had nothing. Then someone called me to come to Wadata for just one litre. By the time I get there, I will have wasted almost as much as I find. It’s exhausting."

This situation is unusual for Niger, a country that has oil and built its first refinery in 2011 but today, that refinery cannot meet the growing national demand, which is more than two million litres a day.

Some people say the government is not being open about what is really happening.

Niamey resident Assoumane Hamadou Souley also said, "We don’t know much because the authorities, who should explain things, are not doing so. We are confused and don’t have real information."

SONIDEP says the problem is a shortage of stock but transport operators, who rely on fuel to make a living, do not believe this explanation. Taxi drivers say they are losing customers because fewer people are moving around.

Authorities plan to increase the number of fuel trucks in Niamey from 24 to 100 per day.

Some groups are also urging the government to reopen borders with Benin and Nigeria to bring in extra fuel. But for now, Nigeriens are still facing long waits and daily struggles to find petrol.

He explained that platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and others are no longer just for private conversations.

According to him, when people create large groups for business, politics, or activism, these spaces should be regulated like any other public association.

He compared it to forming an official group or organisation, saying that once a chat includes dozens or even hundreds of people, it is no longer just a private space.

The minister warned that social media has become a tool for making money in ways that may not always be legal, local reports say.

He also said that some people use these platforms to spread messages that could threaten the government.

Similar concerns have been raised in other African countries, and Niger is now looking at how to apply new rules to prevent abuse.

Raliou said the government is working with other countries that have already started controlling social media and promised that clear plans will be shared soon and any new rules will be designed to stop harm.

He however maintained that people will still be allowed to express their views. He insisted that the goal is not to take away freedom of speech but to protect the public from false information and online dangers.

Despite the ongoing closure of land borders between Niger and Benin, oil production has remained steady, with over 14 million barrels transported to date, La Nouvelle Tribune reports. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) oversees most of the operation, holding the majority of shipments, while the Nigerien government retains approximately 3.5 million barrels.

However, escalating diplomatic tensions between Niamey and Cotonou threaten to disrupt trade relations. Strained since the July 2023 coup in Niger, ties between the two nations have worsened, with Niger accusing Benin of harboring hostile forces - a claim Benin denies.

Prior to the pipeline’s launch, Niger’s crude oil production was primarily for domestic use, refined at the Zinder facility, which has been in operation since 2011. Now, with direct access to international markets, Niger is reducing its reliance on refined imports and positioning itself as a more prominent oil exporter.

The government says this is part of a plan to develop new mineral resources, Barrons reports.

This makes Niger one of the countries that produces copper, a metal used in making electronics, construction materials, and other everyday items.

The new mine is expected to produce about 2,700 tonnes of copper every year for ten years. Officials say this could create around 300 jobs and bring in millions of dollars for the country. Copper is currently selling for about $9,000 per tonne.

Alongside the copper project, the government has also approved a small-scale lithium mining operation. The permit has been given to a Nigerien company, Compagnie Miniere de Recherche et d’Exploitation (Comirex SA), in the Agadez region. Production is expected to reach 300 tonnes per year for five years.

The Nigerien state owns 25 percent of the copper mining company and 40 percent of the lithium mining company.

This move is part of the military government’s push to take more control of the country’s natural resources since coming to power in July 2023.

In another major decision , the government has taken back a lithium mining permit from the French company Orano, which had been in Niger for 50 years.

Orano was working at the Imouraren site, which is said to have 200,000 tonnes of uranium. The company has criticised the government’s decision, saying it was forced out.

Niger already produces uranium, gold, and oil. The new copper and lithium projects are part of its effort to increase mining activities and bring in more money for the country.

The three countries, all led by military governments, say the passport will replace the ECOWAS passport. However, people can still use their ECOWAS passports until they expire. Citizens are encouraged to register for the new AES passport.

Why these countries have left ECOWAS

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger left ECOWAS in January 2024, accusing the regional group of not supporting them enough in their fight against terrorism.

They also claim ECOWAS was siding with France, their former colonial power. The withdrawal became official on January 29, 2025.

Since leaving, they have strengthened military and political ties with Russia and other countries. They are also working on forming a joint military force of 5,000 soldiers to fight insurgents in the Sahel region.

What it means for travellers

Before leaving ECOWAS, citizens of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger could travel visa-free to other West African countries. Now, it is not clear if they will need visas to visit ECOWAS nations.

For now, ECOWAS has advised its member states to continue recognising passports from these three countries until further notice. But in the future, travellers may face new border rules, longer checks, or higher fees.

People with family in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger may also face travel difficulties. Many West African families have relatives across borders, especially in areas like Nigeria-Niger and Ghana-Burkina Faso. If new visa rules come in, visiting loved ones may become harder and more expensive.

ECOWAS response

ECOWAS says it will keep its doors open if the three countries want to return. It has also given them a six-month grace period until July to reconsider.

In the meantime, ECOWAS has urged its members to continue allowing trade with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger under the usual agreements. The regional body says it wants to avoid confusion and economic harm during this transition.

However, leaving ECOWAS means these countries will no longer enjoy duty-free trade within the bloc. Since all three are landlocked, they rely on coastal nations like Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin for international trade. If new tariffs and border restrictions are introduced, goods could become more expensive, affecting businesses and consumers.

What happens next?

The launch of the new passport marks a major shift in West Africa. It signals that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are moving further away from ECOWAS and towards their own independent alliance.

While the full impact is still unclear, many experts believe this split could reshape travel, trade, and security in the region. For now, citizens will have to wait and see how governments handle the changes in the months ahead.

The three countries have teamed up to form a separate confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

They had formally notified ECOWAS of their plan for an "immediate" withdrawal in January 2024, alleging the organisation's excessive dependence on France in particular. Paris has become the common enemy of the three juntas, which now favour partnerships with countries such as Russia, Turkey and Iran.

In Niger, thousands of people led by members of the military regime gathered around a square in the capital Niamey on Jan. 28 before heading towards the nearby National Assembly.

They chanted slogans hostile to French President Emmanuel Macron as well as other leaders in the region with whom Niger has strained relations, such as Benin, Nigeria and Ivory Coast.

"On January 28, 2024, we announced our exit from ECOWAS with immediate effect. Many thought it was a joke, that we were going to go back on our decision," AFP quoted Ibro Amadou Bacharou, private chief of staff of Niger's junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani. "This is ending today, there is nothing left between ECOWAS and us," he said. 

"It is in our collective interest to work together in all areas, including in the area of security," Touray tells a press conference in Nigeria's capital Abuja where ECOWAS' headquarters is located.

Mahaman Nouri, President of the Consumer Rights Association (CSPA), explains, "It’s adaptation - that’s resilience, adapting to the situation. I know many who didn’t use to eat corn paste, but now they’ve adapted and understood they need to turn to local products. Even many well-placed officials have shifted to local goods."

Idrissou Issoufou, a Ghana ian truck driver, describes the hardships of transporting goods through the region, saying, "We transport cargo from Ghana, then stay in Kaya (Burkina Faso) to wait for military escorts to Dori (Burkina Faso), where new escorts take over until Téra (Niger). The challenges begin there, continuing all the way to Niamey."

Beninese merchant Salamatou Gna shares the difficulties of transporting goods, stating, "We face significant challenges shipping products from Benin to Gaya (Niger) by boat. We spend a lot of money. The border closure creates real obstacles, and it’s largely responsible for the high prices of goods."

Vendor Illa Jikan Taguimba notes, "We are blamed for the price hikes, but it’s not our fault. Sometimes, we can’t even find basic products in Niger. Even simple things like tomatoes often come from Morocco, Nigeria , Ghana, or Togo."

Hadjia Hadjara concludes, "If you can afford lunch, you save a portion for dinner, but it’s no longer a question of preparing two hearty meals a day."

Africa’s longest river, the Nile, spans 6,650 kilometres and flows through 11 countries, including Egypt, Sudan, and Uganda, finally reaching the Mediterranean Sea. For centuries, its waters have been essential to agriculture, trade, and culture in North and East Africa.

The Congo River, Africa’s second-longest at 4,700 kilometres, flows through the Congo Basin, passing through the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic.

Other major rivers like the Niger and the Zambezi are just as crucial in Africa. The Niger, stretching 4,200 kilometres across West Africa, is vital to farmers, fishers, and traders along its banks. The Zambezi, known for the stunning Victoria Falls, flows 2,600 kilometres and fuels major hydroelectric projects, including the Kariba Dam, which powers parts of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Here’s a compilation of Africa’s longest rivers.

The three Alliance of Sahel States will be launching the new passport in the coming days as part of their withdrawal from the wider regional bloc Ecowas.

The three indicated plans to exit Ecowas after a series of coups between 2020 and 2023 earned them sanctions from Ecowas.

Goita who is also acting president of the Sahel alliance revealed plans to launch a joint service that will promote information between all three states.

"In the coming days, a new biometric passport of the [alliance] will be put into circulation with the aim of harmonising travel documents in our common area," Malian junta leader Col Assimi Goïta was quoted .

Prior to this, Burkina Faso had revealed plans to launch a new biometric passport without the Ecowas logo.

It remains unclear how the new passports will affect travelling within Ecowas states where nationals of these countries enjoyed visa-free movement using the Ecowas passport.

Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said in July that the region risked disintegration and worsening insecurity after junta-led Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger made clear their intentions to leave the bloc by signing a confederation treaty.

The Pentagon, in a statement with Niger’s defence ministry, confirmed that the last of the US troops had left the base. The remaining personnel are now at the US embassy in Niger, handling final administrative tasks. This withdrawal was wrapped up ahead of the September deadline initially set.

"Thanks to exemplary coordination and communication between Nigerien and US armed forces, this operation was concluded safely and in accordance with agreements that had been signed," Colonel Mamane Sani Kiaou, Niger's army chief of staff said.

The move comes after a military coup in Niger on July 26, 2023, which removed President Mohamed Bazoum. The new regime, under General Abdourahamane Tiani, has shifted its foreign policy, distancing itself from Western allies and strengthening ties with Russia, Turkey, and Iran.

The US plans to continue its counter-terrorism efforts in West Africa through collaborations with other countries, such as Ivory Coast.

What they said

International lawyers of Bazoum have reacted to the court’s decision in a press release published after the announcement. They describe the decision as being a “guarantee of the putschist dictatorship” put in place by the Council National for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP). Former President Me Moussa Coulibaly and lead counsel for President Bazoum also criticized the State Court’s decision, saying it amounted to a blatant denial of independent justice in Niger. “We are witnessing a judicial madness where our arguments have been completely ignored. We did not even have the opportunity to meet our client, and the Court rejected our legitimate requests,” Me Coulibaly was quoted as saying.

Despite public outcry and condemnation from international communities amid sanctions, some coup leaders insist that they are only trying to right the wrongs of failed elected African leaders.

Mali

In Mali , the military junta has been in power since 2020 and has suffered two coups. On August 18, 2020, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was ousted by the military, leading to the establishment of a transitional government in October. However, on May 24, 2021, the military detained both the president and the prime minister.

In June, Colonel Assimi Goïta was unveiled as the transitional president. Despite the promise by Goïta to maintain military rule for just two years, a national dialogue on Friday, May 10, resulted in the extension of the junta leadership for the next three years as well as pushing for Assimi Goïta to stand in the eventual election.

Guinea

September 5, 2021, similarly saw the overthrow of the elected president of Guinea, Alpha Condé, by military powers. Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who led the coup, subsequently became the country's president on October 1, 2021. The military government, however, promised to return things to civilian rule by the end of 2024. The military government is yet to show any signs of the country joining the democratic path again despite calls by opposition leaders to provide an election timetable for the 'November-December elections'.

Sudan

Just when the world was recovering from the military overthrows in Mali and Guinea, Sudan slammed the world with another coup d'état led by Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Hemedti on October 25, 2021. This was after the country's president Omar al-Bashir was deposed in 2019 to form a transitional civilian government. Since April 15, 2023, a power struggle between General Burhane and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdane Daglo, has resulted in the deaths of at least 15,000 people. The conflict has displaced over 8.2 million individuals, creating the world's worst displacement crisis.

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso followed suit with two putsches in eight months. On January 24, 2022, President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré was ousted by the military, and Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba was inaugurated as president in February. However, on September 30, Damiba was also dismissed by the military, and Captain Ibrahim Traoré was appointed as transitional president, with a presidential election scheduled for July 2024. It is, however, unclear if Captain Ibrahim Traoré is ready to end his regime.

Niger

Niger also experienced one of the most recent coups in Africa when, on July 26, 2023, the military declared they had overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum , with General Abdourahamane Tiani emerging as the new leader of the country. On August 10, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced plans to deploy a regional force to "restore constitutional order" while favouring diplomatic solutions. Meanwhile, the military proposed a transition period of up to three years before returning power to civilians.

Gabon

Gabon's president at the time, Ali Bongo, was ousted after his family had ruled the country for five decades. Coup leader General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was sworn in just a week after the ousting and has been the country's head of state till today. Surprisingly, Gabon citizens stormed the streets of the country to jubilate over the military takeover.

Despite the reasons for the military takeover being to alleviate poverty and hardship, most of these nations still suffer from economic hardships .

What they said

Detailing the tragedies witnessed in the Sahara desert frequently, the coordinator of Alarm Phone Sahara, Azizou Chehou, said "They must not have been able to stand the heat. They must have also been exhausted and without water. We did not find any documents on them, so we weren't able to identify them. We are only in May, if the trend continues, we risk exceeding the 2023 figure of 23,000 deported."

The ministers agreed on a text establishing the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a plan that was initially disclosed in February .

"The objective was to finalise the draft text relating to the institutionalization and operationalization of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)," stated Niger Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare.

Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, following a meeting with the head of the Nigerien junta, General Abdourahamane Tiani, declared, "We can consider very clearly, today, that the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has been born."

The heads of state from the three countries are set to formally adopt the text at an upcoming summit, although the exact date is yet to be specified, according to reports by Punch Nigeria .

The three military-ruled West African nations announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in a joint statement on January 28. This decision followed sanctions from the regional bloc aimed at pressuring their military leaders to revert to democratic governance.

The three states have also ended their ties with former colonial ruler France . This move followed a series of events beginning with Mali expelling French soldiers in 2022, followed by Niger in early 2023, and Burkina Faso in late 2023. These actions were taken amid accusations that France had failed to curb jihadist violence in the region.

According to the statement, discussions took place from May 15 to 19, 2024, in Niamey, the Nigerien capital.

“Representatives of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger met from May 15 to 19, 2024, in Niamey, Republic of Niger, as part of a Joint Disengagement Commission, to coordinate the orderly and safe withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger. These discussions between the militaries were conducted in complete transparency and with perfect mutual respect between the two parties,” the statement read.

“The U.S. Department of Defense and the Ministry of National Defense of Niger have reached a disengagement agreement to effect the withdrawal of U.S. forces, which has already begun. It is therefore agreed that this disengagement will end no later than September 15, 2024,” the statement adds.

According to the US Department of Defence, the US will continue relations with Niger despite the withdrawal of American forces from the country.

“The United States and Niger are committed to ongoing diplomatic dialogue to define the future of their bilateral relations,” they added.

In March 2024, Niger’s military government announced the end of its accord with the US. Last year, the West African nation also ended its military agreement with France , a former colonial power, who had been sent to combat extremists.

Niger has also severed ties with regional democracies and pursued closer ties with other junta-led countries, such as Burkina Faso and Mali, by leaving the West African regional body, ECOWAS, which opposed their military takeovers.

The country remains under the rule of General Abdourahamane Tiani after he seized power on July 26, and took former President Mohamed Bazoum hostage.

What they said

Colonel Major Salissou Mahaman Salissou, Secretary-General of the ministry, disclosed in a statement that the activities will be "reserved exclusively for vehicles registered in Niger and Togo”. “Upon exceptional authorisation from the Minister of Transport and Equipment, vehicles registered in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Ghana may also participate in freight removal. Any violator will be subject to sanctions provided for by the regulations in force," the statement added .

 What they said

Prime Minister Zeine, speaking from the capital Niamey rejected Benin's demand for the full reopening of the border. He cited security concerns as the primary deterrent, alleging that Benin's territory hosts bases where terrorists are trained to destabilise Niger. Despite lacking specific details on these claims, Zeine emphasised that the border would remain closed until Niger's security is assured. "In Benin's territory, there are bases where in some, terrorists are trained to come and destabilise our country. So, it is for simple security reasons that we decided to maintain the border closure," Zeine said , adding, "We'll reopen the border when we are certain that our territory is secured."

Niger’s new move follows severance of ties with France and the US.

“There is no shadow over this as we have safeguarded the interests of our country," said Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine 

Notably, CNPC has already constructed a substantial 1,200-mile pipeline to facilitate the transportation of oil from Niger to its neighbouring country, Benin. This infrastructure investment is part of a larger $4.6 billion commitment by CNPC to bolster Niger's petroleum industry.

Economic projections suggest a growth surge of over 12% for Niger's economy this year, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing in sub-Saharan Africa, as stated by the World Bank. For Niger, this loan agreement is perceived as a crucial lifeline, particularly for its military junta, which assumed power in July of the previous year.  

Forecasts from S&P Global Commodity Insights further indicate that Niger is ready to commence shipping 90,000 barrels per day this month, with expectations of this figure increasing to 110,000 barrels per day. 

• In a mass demonstration in Niger’s capital on Saturday, hundreds of protesters demanded the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country. The protest comes after Niger’s junta terminated a military agreement with the United States and welcomed Russian military instructors.

• Marching through central Niamey, the demonstrators waved Nigerien flags, echoing previous anti-French protests that led to the withdrawal of French forces from Niger last year following a coup by the army.

• They wielded placards with inscriptions including “USA rush out of Niger,” expressing solidarity with the junta’s decision to revoke the military accord that permitted around 1,000 U.S. military personnel to operate in Niger from two bases.

• Before the coup, Niger had been a crucial security partner for France and the United States, serving as a base for international efforts to combat Islamist insurgency in the Sahel region. However, the new authorities in Niger have followed the lead of neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso in terminating military agreements with former Western allies.

• Meanwhile, the fate of U.S. troops in Niger remains uncertain, with indications that there may still be internal support within the junta for a continued U.S. military presence despite the termination of the military accord.

What they said

A protester, Maria Saley is quoted by Reuters to have said "We're here to say no to the American base, we don't want Americans on our soil.” "We must not subsequently see the implementation of Russian foreign military bases," said Abdoulaye Seydou, the coordinator of the M62 coalition of civil society groups that led anti-French protests last year. A student Souleymane Ousmane also shared his concerns "This is how the French and the Americans and all the other countries settled in Niger — from military cooperation, they ended up occupying large parts of our country."

What they said

In a TV broadcast, the Niger military spokesman, Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, said, “The government of Niger, taking into account the aspirations and interests of its people, decides with full responsibility to denounce with immediate effect the agreement relating to the status of military personnel of the United States and civilian employees of the American Department of Defense in the territory of the Republic of Niger,” CNN quotes . Adding that “this agreement is not only profoundly unfair in its substance, but it also does not meet the aspirations and interests of the Nigerien people. The government of Nigeria regrets the desire of the American delegation to deny the Nigerien people the right to choose their partners and the types of partnerships capable of helping them truly fight against terrorists,” Abdramane said. Abdramane emphasised that Niger “forcefully denounces the condescending attitude of the US,” which is “likely to undermine the quality of our centuries-old relations and undermine the trust between our two governments.”

What they said

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, said , “The authority takes note that the withdrawal will have political, social, socio-economic, financial, and institutional implications for the three countries as well as for ECOWAS as a region. The authority recalls that within the framework of regional cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism, and organised crime, the three countries benefited from about 100 million US dollars mobilised by UMR within the context of the ECOWAS plan of action against terrorism. Moreover, some funds, about 7.5 million US dollars, are being allocated towards supporting the three countries in acquiring equipment to help their fight against terrorism." He added that “the withdrawal will affect security cooperation in terms of sharing intelligence and participation in regional counterterrorism initiatives. Such as the Accra initiative and the Multinational Joint Task Force.” He further noted that such actions “will automatically affect the immigration status of the citizens, as they may be required to obtain visas to travel around the region. Citizens may no longer be able to reside or set up businesses under an ECOWAS arrangement and may be subject to diverse national laws.”

Libya, Rwanda and Cote Ivoire follow with 7.9 and 7.2 and 6.8% respectively. Ethiopia ranks 6 th with 6.7%, Benin 7 th with 6.4%, and Djibouti 8 th with 6.2%.

Tanzania ranked 9 th with a projection of 6.1% ahead of its East African peers Uganda and Kenya. Togo and Uganda followed as 10 th and 11th with projected growth of 6%.

The African continent is likely to have an economic growth rebound to 3.8% in 2024.

“Fiscal deficits have improved, as faster than expected recovery from the pandemic helped shore up revenue. This has led to a stabilization of the average fiscal deficit at 4.9% in 2023, like 2022, but significantly less than the 6.9 percent average fiscal deficit of 2020,” Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB’s president was quoted by The Citizen .

He noted that the stabilization is a result of fiscal consolidation measures, particularly in countries with elevated risks of debt distress.

“We project that economic growth will regain moderate strength as long as the global economy remains resilient, disinflation continues, investment in infrastructure projects remains buoyant and there is sustained progress on debt restructuring and fiscal consolidation,” he added.

Dr. Adesina however highlighted inflation and geopolitical tensions as key risk factors to growth on the continent as they have the potential of disrupting trade and investment flow and pushing up commodity prices.

“If you put all three states together, their economies will not equal half of what Nigeria’s economy is worth. So, in terms of economic size, it is very insignificant,” he told GSW in an interview.

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, three West African states led by the military, announced on January 28 they were immediately leaving the 15-member regional bloc ECOWAS where goods and citizens move freely. This comes after the suspension of the three nations by ECOWAS in the aftermath of coups in the respective countries.

“If they move, no member state of ECOWAS can question their leadership or its legitimacy. Domestically, these states are going to oppress the opposition. ECOWAS from Abuja has been supporting the opposition, pushing their agenda by telling the junta to move towards transition so that political parties can participate,” he said.

The Sahel Region

These countries are landlocked, which means they do not have access to the coast so they have to rely on the ports of their neighbour coastal states for imports and exports. Even though they can resort to non-member ECOWAS states, “It is more economically efficient to import their goods through coastal ECOWAS member states. If they use any other routes, it is going to be longer, sophisticated and costly for them,” Felix told GSW.

Ethnic groups that live across the borders of ECOWAS member states and the Sahel trio will face difficulties because it is going to disrupt the social and cultural life they have built over the years.

If they exit ECOWAS, visa-free travel and the right of settlement and work in member countries for citizens of member states will all come to an end. “Kenyans and South Africans trying to enter Nigeria may even get easier than Nigeriens because they are approaching the organization with hostility,” Felix told GSW.

This decision will also affect the support these countries receive from ECOWAS. For instance, in 2013, it took the ECOWAS forces to intervene and stop the JNIM militant group and other militants from overrunning cities in the Sahel.

“Perhaps they see another alternative in Russia,” Felix suspected that it might be the reason for their exit from the bloc.

ECOWAS

ECOWAS, responding to the trio's exit, expresses readiness to negotiate their stay. However, their exit will signal the weakness and failure of the regional bloc, particularly that of the current leadership.

Their exit could also compromise trade and push back the return to civilian rule in the coup countries.

The Sahel has emerged as a global centre for global terrorism, representing 43% of global terrorism-related fatalities in 2022. West Africa is already witnessing the overflow of violent extremism from the Sahel into typically peaceful coastal states like Togo, Benin, and the Ivory Coast.

There is now the possibility of a weak border cooperation to stop extremists from entering the coastal states. “Instead of cooperating with ECOWAS, they might sabotage the bloc by allowing these extremists to cross into ECOWAS member states and cause problems,” Felix said.

The tough stance that ECOWAS took in a bid to force them to return to democratic rule, including heavy sanctions, seems to have intensified the positions of the military-led nations, creating a growing fault line within the regional bloc.

President of the Republican Bloc parliamentary group, Assan Séïbou has refused to withdraw a bill revising the Constitution despite the Head of State’s reservation on the matter, La Nation reports. According to him, he undertook the initiative independently and not on behalf of the Republic Block group which he leads. The MP is looking to amend two articles of Law No. 90-32 of December 11, 1990, establishing the Constitution of the Republic of Benin as amended by Law No. 2019-40 of November 7, 2019. These are Articles 42 Paragraphs 2 and 153 of the basic law in force. It aims at promoting the principles of equality and legitimacy of deputies and mayors who must sponsor candidates for the presidential election in Benin per the Constitutional Court decision to reorganize the order of the electoral calendar to organize the presidential election before the legislative and municipal elections from 2026 and to strengthen the limitation of the number of presidential mandates to two.

Criminal arrests

Three Cameroonians have been arrested and imprisoned in Benin after distributing false press releases announcing an auction allegedly organized by the country’s Customs. A search carried out at their homes resulted in the discovery of an estimated hundred SIM cards from various countries Benin Web reports. They are being prosecuted for the dissemination of inaccurate information in the name of Beninese Customs.

Exchanges between Benin and Niger leaders

The Beninese President, Patrice Talon, and Niger’s head of state, General Abdourahamane Tchiani have engaged in verbal exchanges in recent times. This follows some statements by President Talon about the effectiveness of ECOWAS sanctions against Niger. Nigerian leader Tchiani responded to this accusing Talon of seeking another mandate rather than the well-being of his people. President Talon however reacted to this, indicating that he did not want a third term nor a revision of Benin’s constitution as is being suggested, La Novelle Tribune reported.

Fire incident

A fire truck carrying 40 tonnes of soybeans was consumed in a fire on February 11, 2024, in Tekparou, district of Tchat chou, commune of Tchaourou. According to 24Heures au Benin , a local news platform, the fire broke out near Tékparou around 5 p.m. after leaving Parakou towards Cotonou. No casualties were recorded as the driver and his apprentice reportedly jumped from the vehicle before the fire razed.

  Cybercrime arrests

Seven individuals suspected of cybercrime were arrested by police in Benin on February 9 in Parakou. The suspects were arrested during an operation by the police of Parakou. The operations according to Benin Web were successful due to the intelligence network of police personnel in the area. The individuals were arrested at their residence which had been transformed into a cybercrime laboratory. They were subsequently transferred to the Central Office for the Repression of Cybercrime (OCRC) in Cotonou.

What they said

Further, it said, “A key driver of the downgrade is also the deterioration in Niger’s institutions and governance strength, reflected in the suspension of the constitutional order, with immediate repercussions on the government’s access to international donor support and security cooperation, which otherwise provide key support to Niger’s credit profile.” In addition, “the longer sanctions , including border closures and freezes of service transactions, remain in place, the greater the adverse economic repercussions within the landlocked country.”

Diary of poor, landlocked nations

In many global indexes, the trio has emerged among the poorest nations in the world, including a recent Global Finance report on the poorest countries in the world.

With a Gross Domestic Product (GDP)- Power Purchasing Parity (PPP) of $2639, Mali ranked as the 16 th poorest nation in a 2024 report. Burkina Faso followed immediately in 17 th position with a GDP-PPP of $2683, while Niger is the 5 th poorest with a GDP-PPP of $1579.

The head of macro strategy at the London-based investment management company FIM Partners, Charlie Robertson, likened the decision by the trio to leave ECOWAS to the "silliest own goal since the United Kingdom voted for Brexit," referencing Britain's departure from the European Union. Robertson expressed the view that the three countries were already among the poorest in ECOWAS and globally, and their exit would not be beneficial. He pointed out that the trio collectively accounts for only 8% of the bloc's gross domestic product.

The founder of the West African think tank WATHI, Gilles Yabi, highlighted that Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso had not explicitly announced their withdrawal from the regional monetary and economic union that uses the CFA franc. Yabi stressed that such a withdrawal would have a more substantial impact on the region, stating, "I think Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso know that it's not easy - it's not possible, actually – to withdraw from the monetary union when you don't have your system in place, a new currency in place, for example," he quoted by Reuters .

Trade deficits in the subregion

The sudden withdrawal signifies a regression in regional integration. A move that potentially plunges the subregion’s thriving trade fortunes into the abyss. In 2022, Punch NG reported that the ECOWAS region recorded total trade volumes, encompassing both imports and exports, amounting to $277.22 billion. In the same year, Burkina Faso is reported to have contributed $4.55 billion to exports and $5.63 billion to imports within the subregion. Mali contributed $3.91 billion to exports and $6.45 billion to imports, while Niger contributed $446.14 million to exports and $3.79 billion to imports.

In this regard , Seidik Abba, the president of the Paris-based CIRES think tank, notes that while Niger shares a substantial 1,500km border with Nigeria, 80% of its trade is conducted with its wealthier neighbour. Moreover, Ghana, Togo, and Benin host significant diaspora communities originating from Niger. Thus, "if they decide to go ahead and leave, it will become a very big problem, economically and politically, and the stakes are the highest for the people from these three countries," he said. Adding that in terms of security, "the departure from ECOWAS will have catastrophic consequences for the ability to respond to the many security challenges facing this region ."

ECOWAS failed?

In the face of consecutive coups in the three nations and more - Niger (July 2023), Mali (August 2020 and May 2021), and Burkina Faso (January, September 2022) - the potency of the regional bloc is questioned. From the perspective of the three nations, ECOWAS has failed. This is evident in the statement by Colonel Amadou Abdramane, Niger junta spokesman, "After 49 years, the valiant peoples of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger regretfully and with great disappointment observe that the (ECOWAS) organization has drifted from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism." He adds that "the organisation notably failed to assist these states in their existential fight against terrorism and insecurity," Abdramane added.

A retired Nigerian ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode , said, “It is important to note that in a situation like this, ECOWAS, instead of integrating the region or sub-region in West Africa, is disintegrating it. From a 16-member organisation to 15 when Mauritania left to join the Arab Union, and now because of the political and democratic process being interrupted by military rule in these three countries, they decided to impose sanctions. That of Niger was particularly vicious because there was the threat of the use of force,” he is quoted by Punch NG .

A new Russian alliance

Now, without the mutual benefits derived from the ECOWAS bloc, the three military governments may be looking to rely on their new alliance with Russia for sustenance and economic support. Russia has rekindled its alliance in the Sahel Region, presenting more favourable alternatives to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in the wake of their problematic relationships with their EU partners.

This move followed the trio's decision to withdraw from the G5 Sahel anti-jihadi force, citing a lack of achievements and France's predominant role. They expressed dissatisfaction with the organization's failure to meet its objectives and pointed to institutional red tape hindering their legitimate ambitions for security and development in the G5 Sahel. This led them to conclude that their pursuit of independence and dignity is incompatible with the current form of G5 participation.

Russia strategically offered military cooperation, food security, resources, and notably, a commitment to peace. Burkina Faso's interim military leader, Ibrahim Traore, highlighted the evolving nature of alliances, stating that the departure of the French army doesn't diminish France's status as an ally. Instead, new forms of cooperation have emerged, with Russia being a strategic ally, a sentiment echoed by Traore, who expressed satisfaction with their candid collaboration. In October, Construct Africa reported that Russia further solidified its engagement by signing a nuclear power cooperation agreement with Mali and Burkina Faso, aiming to develop nuclear facilities in both countries. Following suit, Niger, having severed ties with its EU partners, declared its intent to enhance defence cooperation with Russia.