Exploring Bamako: A New Era in the Sahel
As we touched down in Bamako, the bustling capital of Mali, a team of local officials awaited our arrival at the airport. They greeted us warmly, showcasing both a welcoming spirit and a watchful eye. This visit took place in late December, after an Air Burkina flight from Dakar, Senegal, crossing through the Sahel—a region fraught with political upheaval and security challenges in recent years.
Mali’s Transformative Journey
Mali is currently at a pivotal moment following two military coups that reshaped its political landscape in 2020 and 2021. The nation has distanced itself from its colonial past, severing ties with France, expelling French military forces, and upending its alliances, particularly regarding the United Nations peacekeeping efforts. In September 2023, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), leaving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to pursue what they claim are more regionally appropriate interests.
Recently, leaders from these three countries convened in Bamako for the AES’s Confederal Summit of Heads of State, marking a significant moment in their shared political journey. This summit was not merely ceremonial; it was a platform for announcing key developments, such as the Sahel Investment and Development Bank, aimed at supporting local infrastructure without relying on Western financing. A new joint military force was also launched to combat regional security threats.
The Underlying Tensions
While these declarations may appear celebratory, they are steeped in urgency due to the rising influence of armed groups that have gained ground amid political instability. Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate, has expanded its operations from rural Mali to urban centers, utilizing the weakened state presence to perpetuate violence and instability.
Arriving in Bamako
As our vehicle sped through Bamako, the city’s vibrant life unfolded around us, with motorbikes weaving through traffic and vendors showcasing their goods. Despite the palpable energy, a blockade imposed by armed groups since September has caused fuel shortages and economic challenges, as seen by the long lines at petrol stations. The military government has claimed that these deficiencies stem from the actions of the very groups they aim to combat.
Community Spirit Amidst Strife
We moved toward Sahel Alliance Square, a newly established public area designed to symbolize unity between the three countries. Along the way, we witnessed the Malian forces patrolling the streets, navigating tensions heightened by multiple recent attacks attributed to JNIM. Nevertheless, the atmosphere at the Square was alive with the energy of young attendees, eager to engage in trivia games about their leaders and the AES. A young boy, Moussa Niare, proudly donned a T-shirt emblazoned with the faces of the alliance leaders, embodying a shared sentiment of hope for a collaborative future.
A Shift in Alliances
The political transitions in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger followed a similar trajectory, with military takeovers marketed as necessary for the greater good. Each nation’s leaders framed their actions as essential corrections to longstanding security and governance issues, marking a shared resolve to pursue sovereignty distinctly apart from former colonial influences.
The summit underscored intentions to establish a unified military presence aimed at safeguarding the region from armed threats, redefining the narratives once dominated by external actors like France. With French military forces now absent from Mali after decades of involvement, the shift in allegiance toward domestic and regional solutions has captured the attention of both supporters and critics.
The Emergence of AES
Critics of the AES point to a concerning trend: the concentration of power within military structures, juxtaposed with the sidelining of dissenting voices. Yet for supporters, this alliance represents a long-overdue assertion of self-determination. The AES’s initiatives, such as a joint military force and a common currency, aim to forge a path toward regional independence and resilience.
A New Media Narrative
The AES is also striving to convey its narrative through a newly launched television channel in Bamako, designed to combat perceived disinformation. This channel is intended to project a unified voice for the Sahel, while ironically, depending on foreign technology for its operation. The director of this initiative, Salif Sanogo, likened the alliance to “a marriage of reason,” highlighting the efficiency of a unified approach compared to the complexities of broader coalitions.
Reflections on Leadership
As the summit wrapped up, Mali’s leader, Assimi Goita, prepared to hand over leadership of the AES to Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traore. Traore’s rise to prominence resonates with a younger audience, drawing on Pan-African ideals. However, scrutiny surrounding military rule persists, as journalists and critics continue to face repercussions for voicing dissent.
Conclusion
As the AES continues to navigate its course, the alliance has emerged as a formidable entity, shaping the socio-political landscape of the Sahel. The essence of Mali’s latest developments reflects a turning point that balances ambition, sovereignty, and the looming specter of conflict. Ultimately, amidst all turbulence, a song resonates—the hope for perseverance and resilience within the Sahel’s diverse communities.
- The AES was formed in September 2023, uniting Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
- Recent summit initiatives include a joint military force and a Sahel Investment and Development Bank.
- Armed groups like JNIM have expanded their influence amid political instability.
- The AES signals a shift from colonial legacies towards regional sovereignty.