Sahel Region Junta Leaders Rally Against Western Imperialism at Condemnation Conference
Niamey, Niger - Thousands of delegates from junta-led countries in Africa's Sahel region gathered in the Nigerien capital of Niamey this week to condemn what they called the West's imperialist agenda and drive support for their military regimes. The three-day conference, which ended on Thursday, featured music performances, cultural displays, and discussions on sovereignty, economic partnerships, and security.
The gathering was attended by delegates from Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, who sought to present a united front against Western influence in the region. The junta leaders of the three countries have been struggling to gain popular support since they deposed democratically elected governments and severed ties with longstanding Western partners such as France.
The conference also aimed to promote the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a regional bloc formed by the three junta-led countries, which has been seen by some as an attempt to counterbalance French influence. Delegates discussed their countries' sovereignty as well as economic and security partnerships being forged under the AES.
Local music artists performed renditions of pro-junta songs, including a piece by Nigerien artiste Idi Sarki, who referenced the July 2023 coup in his country. Sarki sang about Nigeriens "waking up" to reject French military presence on their land and seeking energy and economic sovereignty.
A women's music group also performed a song dedicated to African youth, calling for an awakening of conscience and a fight towards hope and freedom. Meanwhile, some conference participants expressed optimism that the militaries' promises to address shortcomings would eventually be kept.
However, others pointed out the persistence of violence and economic hardships in the region, despite the military regimes' claims. The civilian prime minister in Mali was fired on Wednesday after criticizing delays in the election process, highlighting the challenges faced by these countries under military rule.
The conference also sparked a broader debate about democracy and sovereignty in Africa, with some calling for a renewed focus on anti-imperialism and unity among African nations. Inem Richardson, who came from Burkina Faso to attend the conference, emphasized the need for all of Africa to unite and engage in the masses' interests.
The conference serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in West Africa, where regional politics often intersect with global powers and competing agendas. The Sahel region's junta leaders are likely to continue their efforts to secure popular support and defend their military regimes against Western criticism and interference.