Junta Chiefs’ Divorce From ECOWAS Leaves Volatile Sahel in Limbo

YAOUNDE, Cameroon—The volatile Sahel region has been plunged into political uncertainty following a recent decision by the military rulers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to form a breakaway union from the existing West African bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The military leaders of the three countries said on July 6 that they were “irrevocably” turning their backs on the 15-member bloc to form the Confederation of Sahel States. The juntas came to power after a series of coups between 2020 and 2023, with ECOWAS responding by imposing sanctions and demanding a quick restoration of civilian rule. All three countries have been affected by jihadist violence, in part a reason given for the army takeovers....