Le Mali, le Niger et le Burkina Faso rejettent le délai de rétractation accordé par la Cedeao

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Military regimes in⁤ Mali,​ Niger, and ​Burkina Faso ​have firmly rejected ‍a six-month retraction period proposed by the Economic Community of ⁣West African States (ECOWAS) before their planned exit from the organization. in a ‌statement released on December 22, 2024, ⁤the juntas‍ labeled the extension as an “attempt at external destabilization.”⁢ This‍ decision follows their earlier announcement in January ⁢to withdraw from ECOWAS,⁢ an alliance of fifteen nations, which⁤ they accuse of being manipulated by‍ France, the former​ colonial power. The situation highlights ongoing tensions ‍in the Sahel region, where⁢ these​ countries are⁢ increasingly⁢ distancing themselves ⁣from traditional Western influences.In a notable advancement at a ⁣recent summit ⁤in Abuja, the ⁣Economic‍ Community ⁢of ⁢West⁢ African⁣ States (ECOWAS) announced a six-month withdrawal grace period for Mali, niger, and Burkina Faso, allowing⁢ these nations​ to reconsider their decision‌ to ​exit the organization‍ by January 2025. This ​transitional phase, lasting until July 29, 2025, aims to keep diplomatic channels open,⁢ according to the ECOWAS Commission President.⁣ However,‌ leaders from the Sahel region have criticized this move as a mere tactic by the French⁤ junta to continue destabilizing efforts ⁤against the⁤ region, ⁤asserting that ⁣their‍ departure from ECOWAS is final and non-negotiable. As ‌tensions rise, mediators from Senegal and Togo‍ are working to facilitate dialogue and perhaps⁢ reverse⁢ the withdrawal.In a significant ⁢shift in geopolitical dynamics, ‍African nations are increasingly aligning with Russia amid ongoing threats from jihadist​ groups.Political ⁢leaders in these countries⁤ have voiced strong criticisms of ⁤France, accusing it ‍of undermining their efforts ⁤for autonomy⁣ and self-determination. This growing partnership with Russia not only reflects ‌a strategic military and political ⁣pivot ⁢but also highlights the complexities of international relations in the region. As ‌these nations‍ seek to bolster their defenses ⁣against persistent extremist attacks, the implications for Western influence⁤ in Africa are becoming increasingly pronounced.
Title: regional ⁤Tensions in​ the Sahel:‌ An Interview with dr. ⁢Amina Diallo, Expert on West African Politics

Editor: Welcome,⁢ Dr. Diallo. Given the recent statement from military regimes in Mali,​ Niger, and Burkina Faso ⁢rejecting the six-month retraction period proposed by ECOWAS, ⁢what underlying factors are driving this resistance?

Dr. Diallo: Thank you for having me. The rejection of the ECOWAS grace period‍ highlights a significant ​shift in the political landscape of the Sahel. Primarily, these regimes view the extension‌ as a‍ tool⁤ for external destabilization,⁣ particularly one attributed⁢ to French​ influence. This aligns with the broader narrative​ in these countries, where ​there’s‍ a growing​ sentiment ‌against customary Western powers, especially France, rooted in a history of colonialism. ​The leaders⁢ assert that their ⁣decisions are final and non-negotiable,reflecting ‍a strong desire⁢ for autonomy.

editor: How does this decision tie into the ‍ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the region, especially regarding the growing partnership with Russia?

Dr. Diallo: The pivot towards⁤ Russia can’t⁣ be overstated. As these ‌countries face persistent jihadist threats and a general decline in security, leaders are​ increasingly seeking alternative partnerships ‍that promise military and political⁤ support without the baggage of historical colonial ties. Collaborating with Russia offers a strategic alliance that ‍is viewed as a means of enhancing their defenses while together pushing back against Western influence. This shift indicates a deep-seated⁣ frustration with Western interventions, which ⁤are often perceived⁣ as ineffective or self-serving.

Editor: You mentioned the criticism of France. Can‌ you elaborate on how public sentiment in these nations shapes their foreign policy decisions?

Dr.⁢ Diallo: ⁣ Absolutely. Public sentiment in Mali, Niger,‌ and Burkina Faso is heavily influenced⁣ by a historical narrative that paints the West, particularly France, as a neocolonial actor. Recent events, such as the military coups, have galvanized support for‍ leaders who position themselves against perceived external manipulation. As these regimes consolidate power, they rely on nationalist sentiments to justify aligning with Russia and distancing‍ from ECOWAS and other ​Western-led organizations. This dynamic ​fosters a greater sense of nationalism and self-determination among their ‍citizens, who are eager for stability‍ in a region plagued ⁤by insecurity.

Editor: with mediators from Senegal and Togo attempting⁤ to facilitate dialog, what are the ‍prospects for⁣ a resolution between these nations and ECOWAS?

Dr. Diallo: While dialogue is essential, the rhetoric from the Sahelian leaders suggests a deeply entrenched position that will be challenging to overcome. The perception‍ that ECOWAS is manipulated by foreign interests​ complicates any diplomatic efforts. Additionally, the ⁤regions’ leaders have expressed⁢ a ‌strong desire to pursue their own agendas without external interference. Therefore,⁤ while mediation is a necessary step, it may ultimately lead to further tensions unless there’s a genuine shift in how ‍ECOWAS is perceived by these regimes.

Editor: What should observers​ of the Sahel region look out for in the coming months as these‌ dynamics evolve?

Dr. Diallo: Observers​ should watch how military regimes engage with Russia and whether these partnerships ‌yield tangible improvements in security. Additionally, the impact of Western diplomatic efforts‍ and changes in‌ public opinion regarding foreign influence will be ‍crucial. The position of ECOWAS in this conflict‍ is also vital; it needs to redefine its⁢ approach to be perceived as truly supportive rather than as a tool for⁤ external ⁣agenda. Lastly, the ⁤efficacy of ⁤mediation by neighboring countries ⁣will play ⁢an essential role in determining how much room there is for potential reconciliation.

Editor: ‌Thank you, ⁤Dr.⁤ Diallo,for your insightful analysis. It’s ⁣clear ​that the ongoing geopolitical changes in ⁢the Sahel present a complex yet engaging scenario that‌ will continue to evolve.

Dr. Diallo: My pleasure. It’s certainly a critical time for the Sahel, and understanding these ⁤dynamics will be essential for anyone interested in the future of West Africa‍ and its international⁤ relations.

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