Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso Sign Confederation Treaty, as France Loses Colonial Power and US Military Withdraws From Important Air Base

In a milestone symbolizing the loss by the Western colonial powers of political and military influence in the African Sahel region, the military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger signed a new confederation treaty that they celebrate as a step “towards greater integration” between the countries.

The move comes as the United States’ military personnel completed their withdrawal from Niger’s Air Base 101, and is also leaving a separate, $100m drone base near Agadez in central Niger.