WRITTEN BY: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
In a show of unity, thousands gathered in Niamey, Niger, for a conference led by military governments from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, rallying against perceived Western imperialism.
Participants, including youth, women, and civil society groups, highlighted the importance of sovereignty, with music and cultural displays framing the event. As Nigerien musician Idi Sarki sang, “Nigeriens, wake up, we don’t want the French army on our land anymore,” the mood was one of defiance against past colonial powers.
The military leaders, who have ousted civilian governments, seek to build support for their actions and forge new economic partnerships, especially through the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The gathering emphasized African unity, with calls for broader anti-imperialist efforts across the continent.
It is a complex moment for the Sahel—while there’s optimism, the realities of governance and security challenges will determine whether these new alliances can deliver real change.
