In a bid to bolster support for military regimes, thousands gathered in Niamey, Niger, to condemn Western imperialism at a conference for the Alliance of Sahel States, composed of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Cultural displays and performances highlighted attendees’ calls for sovereignty and economic freedom, amidst ongoing instability and tensions with Western powers, especially France.
In the Nigerien capital of Niamey, thousands gathered at a recent conference aimed at promoting the Alliance of Sahel States, which consists of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all of which have experienced military coups. The event, rich in cultural displays and music, served to denounce what attendees identified as the West’s imperialistic tendencies, while simultaneously bolstering support for their respective military regimes. The alliance was formed as a platform for these nations to assert their sovereignty amid growing international isolation and decreasing ties with traditional Western allies, especially France, the former colonial power.
The three-day conference concluded on Thursday with participation from various stakeholders, including civilians and pro-junta representatives, who initiated discussions on furthering economic and security cooperation within the alliance. There was a notable emphasis on cultural pride, highlighted by vibrant performances that underscored the countries’ national colors and sentiments against former colonial influences. Nigerien artist Idi Sarki energized the crowd with a song proclaiming a desire against foreign military presence, directly referencing the demand for the French army’s withdrawal following the coups.
Another performance by a women’s music group echoed a theme of awakening and hope, especially for the youth of Africa. Since assuming power, the juntas of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have pledged to address the pressing issues of violence and economic instability, although these challenges appear to persist or worsen in some areas. Notably, in Mali, the prime minister appointed by the junta was dismissed for voicing concerns over electoral delays, raising questions about the military’s commitment to governance reform.
Despite these setbacks, attendees expressed a mixture of optimism and a deep need for a new social contract with their governments, asserting the necessity for broader African unity in confronting external pressures. Figures such as Ali Moussa from Gabon reflected this sentiment, stating, “How can we live under a so-called democracy, when there are no schools?” Furthermore, Inem Richardson from Burkina Faso emphasized the collective responsibility of African nations to engage fully in shaping their destinies.
The Sahel region, which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has faced significant political upheaval in recent years, leading to military coups that disrupted democratically elected governments. In response, the countries formed the Alliance of Sahel States to foster cooperation and support among them amidst increasing tensions with Western nations, particularly due to perceived neo-colonialism. The focal point of these nations’ new stance is to assert their sovereignty while drawing new economic and security partnerships, particularly with non-Western powers, notably Russia. The cultural emphasis reinforced during the recent conference illustrates a broader movement to use music and art as instruments of resistance against foreign influence.
In summary, the conference in Niamey stands as a significant demonstration of the junta-led nations’ commitment to fostering cultural pride and unity as a bulwark against perceived Western imperialist agendas. The emphasis on music and communal identity serves as both a rallying cry for support of military regimes and a critique of historical colonial legacies. The sentiments expressed indicate a desire for true sovereignty and a collective African resolve to redefine governance amidst ongoing challenges and instability.
Original Source: apnews.com
