Alliance of Sahel States

[Grey Havoc]

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso junta chiefs 'turn their backs' on West Africa bloc Ecowas

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso hope to form closer ties and move away from the wider regional group, Ecowas.

www.bbc.com

Security co-operation is high on the agenda, but the alliance, known by its French acronym AES, will also look towards forming closer economic ties, including the aim of creating a common currency. This would be a rejection of the France-backed CFA Franc, which is used in many states across the region.

All three countries have expelled French soldiers who were there as part of an anti-jihadist mission and turned towards Russia for military assistance.

Calls for greater sovereignty and a rejection of the former colonial power have been a key part of the rhetoric coming from the junta leaders.

The countries have also resisted calls from Ecowas for a rapid return to civilian rule.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1809583603124158638

View: https://x.com/CapitaineIb226/status/1809583603124158638

 

[muttbutt]

Honestly sounds like a faction in COD or something...

 

[TinWing]

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso junta chiefs 'turn their backs' on West Africa bloc Ecowas

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso hope to form closer ties and move away from the wider regional group, Ecowas.

www.bbc.com

https://twitter.com/x/status/1809583603124158638

View: https://x.com/CapitaineIb226/status/1809583603124158638

I think the most disturbing proposal is dumping the CFA Franc, which is a stable currency pegged to the Euro. I hope these young military men prove me wrong, but generally speaking, African countries that adopt an independent monetary policy spiral into inflation or hyperinflation. It’s very difficult for small, developing countries to have a responsible monetary policy. Assuming a typical balance of payments deficit, the best you can hope for is a controlled annual devaluation.

As far as the political shift, I’m not sure who is paying for the mercenaries? What I do know is that exiting the CFA Franc will release the currency reserves held on deposit in Europe. Potentially a big one-time payday for someone.

Or maybe these military leaders will follow good economic advice