Three West African Military-Led Nations Agree to Form a Union
- Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger adopt treaty to create alliance
- Trio left Ecowas bloc over lack of support against militants
The union to be known as the Alliance of Sahel States was first formed in September by the three countries to support each other in the fight against militants.
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Ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have adopted a treaty to create a union of states aimed at fostering economic and political integration in the Sahel region of West Africa.
The military-ruled countries last month announced their exit from the Economic Community of West African States, the 48-year-old regional bloc they helped to found. They criticize Ecowas for failing to assist them in their fight against a sprawling Islamist insurgency that threatens their existence.