Union of three Sahel countries
The African countries Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, having entered into a military-political union, insist on their independence from France, as well as from regional organizations.
The prime ministers of the three countries that recently expelled French forces made a symbolic reminder of the move at a rally near a former French military base in Niamey, Niger's capital, according to reports from Abidjan. Nigerian youth present at the scene said: “The French soldiers have left. Now it’s our turn to redouble our work and efforts for the development of our country.” Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have always faced terrorist threats from extremist groups, and their military rulers believe that with the departure of French troops and the presence of their new ally, Russia, they will be able to fight the terrorists more effectively. Ali Lamine Zein, Prime Minister of Niger, points to this problem: “Our armed forces have managed to contain terrorist attacks well in this short period of time. Given the departure of the troops that supported the terrorists, we look to the future with greater hope. The military rulers of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso do not lack the trust and support of the people in the fight against terrorism.” Nigerian youths said: “Despite the presence of France and the imperialist armed forces, terrorism has become stronger in our region. But today, thanks to the formation of the three-Sahel alliance, we hope that the situation will change.” The next step in uniting the three neighboring African countries of the Sahel region is the formation of a common economic and monetary space.
