Towards an economic and monetary union: Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger strengthen their cooperation after the recapture of Kidal
The Malian armed forces celebrate the recapture of the city of Kidal, marking a strategic success against terrorism in the three-border region. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are strengthening their cooperation well beyond the military. This victory, with the crucial support of the Burkinabe and Nigerien armies, symbolizes the commitment of the three nations to collaborate against regional security threats.
In parallel, a major economic initiative is taking shape, with the finance ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger considering the creation of an economic and monetary union. This proposal, emerging at a meeting in Bamako, aims to accelerate economic and financial integration, a crucial challenge for the Alliance of Sahel States.
The economic cooperation envisaged focuses on several key areas: strengthening trade, improving food and energy security, and industrial development. The three countries aspire to establish a secure and prosperous economic area, stimulating regional development.
Improving transport and communication infrastructure is also at the heart of this union. Ambitious projects in the road, air, rail and river sectors are envisaged to facilitate mobility and strengthen economic and social cooperation.
Food security is a priority, with a common strategy under development to respond to food crises, including initiatives such as the development of hydroponic agriculture.
In the field of energy, the ministers stress the importance of pooling resources to invest in the energy sector and achieve regional energy autonomy. A common industrialization strategy is also envisaged to stimulate economic growth.
