Sahel states to form confederation and parliament

Mali’s Transitional President, Colonel Malik Diaw repeated the intention of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to form a confederation, during a visit this week to Burkina Faso, according to Agence de Presse Africaine. Diaw also emphasized the importance of a unified legislative body to address regional issues effectively. His statement comes weeks a summit on July 6, in Niamey, where the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger unveiled plans to form a confederation and establish a regional parliament.

Diaw went on to say that discussions on the confederation treaty were advancing. He expressed confidence that the parliament of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) would soon become a reality, praising the leadership of the three nations for their initiative.

Diaw's met with Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré to discuss strengthening bilateral parliamentary cooperation. Despite facing accusations of authoritarianism and increasing instability, Diaw asserted that the Sahel countries were united against destabilization efforts.