Niger conference displays solidarity with Sahel states

Delegates completed a conference in Niamey this week, intended to show solidarity with the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS). The group, was formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger after recent coups isolated them from much of the international community. According to the news platform Africa News, the ASS aims to counter external influence and improve security.

The event included discussions on the role of women in resisting neo-colonialism and imperialism. Ali Moussa from Gabon criticized the lack of progress in African democracy, highlighting the absence of basic services like water and education. Inem Richardson of the Thomas Sankara Centre stressed the importance of women's involvement in African unity. Mohamed Sekou Doro praised the ASS leaders as “visionaries” committed to women’s and children’s welfare.

The coups, fueled by discontent with leaders tied to former colonial powers, have led the countries to seek support from Russia, Turkey, and Iran, as insecurity continues to grow in the region.