Burkina Faso and Mali were notably absent from a landmark continental military summit hosted by Nigeria, underscoring the growing tensions between the two Sahel nations and their regional neighbors. The meeting, held in Abuja, marked the first high-level Pan-African defence chiefs of staff conference on the continent, drawing senior military officials from across Africa—from Djibouti to Namibia—for strategic discussions on collective security and indigenous solutions to Africa’s defence challenges. However, the absence of Burkina Faso and Mali, both under military rule and recent founders of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) alongside Niger, highlighted the deepening rift with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which the trio exited in January 2025.
Niger, the only AES member represented at the summit, sent Colonel Major Soumana Kalkoye, its defence attaché in Abuja, signaling a cautious engagement with broader continental efforts despite its alignment with Mali and Burkina Faso. The formation of AES was intended to address persistent insurgencies plaguing the Sahel, but it has also created friction with neighboring states and regional blocs. Nigerian Chief of the Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, emphasized the urgency of unified action, stating that “security challenges recognise no borders” and calling for a “new architecture of African-led security cooperation.” His remarks underscored the need for collaboration beyond political divides, especially as Africa grapples with transnational threats like terrorism and insurgency.
Despite shared security concerns, cooperation between Nigeria and Niger has faced setbacks, particularly in joint efforts against Boko Haram and other extremist groups. The absence of Mali and Burkina Faso from the Abuja talks reflects not only political estrangement but also the complexities of forging a cohesive continental defence strategy amid shifting alliances and internal upheavals. As the summit continues, the challenge remains: how to build inclusive, effective security frameworks in a region where fragmentation threatens collective progress.