The military regimes of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have severed ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and officially formed a new alliance.

Niger’s ruling general announced the move during the inaugural summit of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in Niamey on Saturday.

Niger’s General Abdourahamane Tiani at the summit, which saw the participation of the three nations’ leaders stated “our people have irrevocably turned their backs on ECOWAS”.

The AES was established after the countries withdrew from ECOWAS earlier this year.

In September, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso signed a mutual defense pact, marking a significant shift in the region’s political landscape.

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso left ECOWAS, citing accusations of Paris manipulating the bloc and insufficient support for anti-jihadist efforts.

“The AES is the only effective sub-regional grouping in the fight against terrorism,” Tiani stated on Saturday, highlighting ECOWAS’s “conspicuous lack of involvement in this fight.”

The exit marks a shift away from their former colonial ruler, France, with Tiani advocating for a new bloc that is a “community far removed from the stranglehold of foreign powers.”

All three nations have expelled French anti-jihadist troops, turning instead to their “sincere partners” — Russia, Turkey, and Iran.

Facing deadly jihadist violence, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso will focus on “the fight against terrorism” and the “consolidation of cooperation” during Saturday’s agenda, according to the Burkinabe presidency.

ECOWAS is set to hold a summit of its heads of state in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on Sunday, where relations with the AES is anticipaed to be a key topic.

After multiple bilateral meetings, the three Sahelian leaders are convening for the first time since seizing power through coups between 2020 and 2023.

In mid-May, the foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger met in Niamey to draft a text establishing the confederation, which the heads of state are set to adopt at Saturday’s summit.

Niger’s General Abdourahamane Tiani first received Burkinabe counterpart Ibrahim Traore in the capital on Friday, followed by Malian Colonel Assimi Goita on Saturday.

“Don’t expect many announcements; this is primarily a political event,” remarked Gilles Yabi, founder of the West African think tank Wathi. “The goal is to demonstrate that this is a serious project with three dedicated heads of state showing their solidarity.”

In a historic moment, Sir Keir Starmer has officially taken the reins as the United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister, following a meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.

The Labour leader’s ascension to the top post comes after a resounding election victory, marking a significant shift in Britain’s political landscape.

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JUST IN: Labour’s Starmer Wins UK Election As Sunak Concedes Defeat

Starmer’s appointment was formalized at the Palace before he made his way to 10 Downing Street, where he addressed the nation and a throng of supporters gathered outside the iconic residence.

This development signals a new chapter in British politics, with Starmer poised to implement his vision for the country.

More to follow………. 

Sir Keir Starmer‘s Labour Party has emerged victorious in the UK general election, securing a majority of seats in the House of Commons and bringing an end to 14 years of Conservative rule.

With over 575 seats declared, Labour has secured a majority of at least 100 seats, with a projected total of 410 seats.
This marks a significant shift in the political landscape and a decisive rejection of the incumbent Conservative Party.

In a speech to his supporters, Starmer declared, “We did it, you campaigned for it, you fought for it, you voted for it, and now it has arrived. Change begins now.” He promised a new era for the country, signaling a significant departure from the previous government’s policies.

Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceded defeat, extending his congratulations to Starmer on his victory.

In a statement, Sunak said, “The Labour Party has won this general election, and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.”

READ MORE: uk general election 2024 results live coverage

The election result is a historic win for Labour, mirroring the party’s landmark victory in 1997 under Sir Tony Blair.

The Conservative Party suffered a crushing defeat, projected to win only 131 seats, the lowest number in their history.

Sir Keir Starmer’s victory marks a significant turning point in UK politics, as he prepares to take the reins as the next Prime Minister