Liptako-Gourma Region Development Initiatives

Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of the Alliance of Sahel States?

To create an educational exchange program.

To establish a common military force. (correct)

To engage in economic cooperation.

To promote tourism among member states.

Which factor is considered crucial for the success of the confederation project?

Strong support from foreign powers.

Rallying the population's support. (correct)

An immediate implementation of policies.

Increased sanctions from neighboring countries.

What strategy is suggested for gaining support for the confederation project?

Increasing military presence in the region.

Ignoring public opinion altogether.

Relying solely on governmental decisions.

Conducting a referendum. (correct)

What external support is mentioned as beneficial for the alliance states?

Support from Morocco. Signup and view all the answers

What may undermine the ambition of the confederation project?

A rush into implementation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a proposed action to achieve confederation?

Encouraging public dissent Signup and view all the answers

In what form is the Alliance of Sahel States primarily structured?

A military alliance. Signup and view all the answers

What underlying challenges do the leaders of the alliance face?

Violent reactions from their environment. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the memorandum of understanding signed on December 16, 2000?

It abrogated the earlier memorandum of 1970. Signup and view all the answers

How does the new charter established in September 2023 differ from previous charters?

It emphasizes stronger ties and a potential confederation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose behind the Liptako-Gourma Region Integrated Development Authority?

To establish a framework for cooperation and mutual aid. Signup and view all the answers

What question does the paper suggest regarding the confederation project?

Is the confederation project premature? Signup and view all the answers

Which event reflects the ongoing development of cooperation between the states?

Signing of the revised treaty on January 24, 2017. Signup and view all the answers

What impression does the establishment of the new alliance in September 2023 give?

It symbolizes a fresh initiative with higher ambitions. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as a key factor driving the states towards integration?

Mutual economic benefits. Signup and view all the answers

What might be a potential outcome of the new charter's ambitious goals?

Progress towards a confederation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the meeting held by about twenty ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger on February 15?

To study the creation of a confederation between the three countries. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the Chiefs of General Staff's agreement in early March?

They announced the creation of an anti-jihadist Joint Force. Signup and view all the answers

What date did the three states agree to leave the community?

January 28, 2024 Signup and view all the answers

Who made the announcement regarding the creation of the Joint Force on March 7?

General Moussa Salaou Barmou Signup and view all the answers

Which factor has contributed to the motivation of the authorities for the integration project?

Shared concerns over security challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What outcome was expected from the draft treaty created by the ministers?

To formalize the Confederation of Sahel States. Signup and view all the answers

When was the announcement made regarding the operationalization of the anti-jihadist Joint Force?

March 7, 2024 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the proposed Joint Force by army chiefs of the three countries?

An integrated force addressing regional security challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential outcome of the union among the three countries mentioned?

Strengthened political and economic influence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a commercial benefit of the proposed union?

Increasing import tariffs Signup and view all the answers

What area is mentioned as a potential synergy for development within the proposed alliance?

Education Signup and view all the answers

What legal and political uncertainty affects the integration project?

Leaders stemming from military coups Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a hindering factor for the integration project?

Economic downturn in neighboring regions Signup and view all the answers

What is one challenge that the governments of the alliance states need to address?

Neutralizing constraints hindering integration Signup and view all the answers

What future political development is suggested by the military-led governments?

Transition to democratic governments Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is crucial for assuring success in the integration project?

Recognizing both supportive and blocking factors Signup and view all the answers

What was Bassou's role in the Moroccan National Security from 1978 to 1993?

Head of the border division Signup and view all the answers

In which year did Bassou serve as the former director of the Royal Institute of Police?

1998 Signup and view all the answers

What major topic does Bassou's academic research primarily focus on?

Geopolitical analysis and security issues Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Policy Center for the New South?

To contribute to public policy improvement in Africa Signup and view all the answers

Which notable contribution did Bassou make in 2017?

'Towards EU-MENA Shared Prosperity' Signup and view all the answers

What role does Bassou play in the collective annual report on Africa's geopolitics since 2018?

Director and editor Signup and view all the answers

How does the Policy Center for the New South describe its approach to narratives around the Mediterranean?

Defining its own narratives and mental maps Signup and view all the answers

During which period did Bassou serve as Head of Regional Security in Errachidia?

1999-2003 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

History of Cooperation

Ideas for cooperation among Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger date back to 1970, culminating in several memorandums of understanding.
The Liptako-Gourma Region Integrated Development Authority was established through a memorandum on December 3, 1970.
A later memorandum on December 16, 2000, replaced the original, and a revised treaty was signed on January 24, 2017.

New Initiative and Ambitions

A new alliance charter was adopted in September 2023, marking a strategic shift without acknowledgment of previous agreements.
The new charter aims for greater integration, potentially leading towards confederation rather than mere collaboration.
The confederation project raises questions about its feasibility and timing due to the complex political landscape of the involved states.

Political Dynamics and Integration Moves

On January 28, 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger mutually agreed to withdraw from their existing community framework.
Chiefs of General Staff announced plans for a joint anti-jihadist force to combat escalating regional security threats.

Motivations for Integration

Authorities from all three countries are showing increased commitment to the integration project, with discussions held to draft a confederation treaty.
Benefits of a union include:
- Enhanced political and economic influence regionally and internationally.
- Improved cross-border trade facilitating economic growth and job creation.
- Development synergy in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, education, and health.

Challenges to Integration

Legal and political uncertainties stem from the fact that current regimes are military-led and navigating a transition to civilian governance.
The alliance's ambitions face obstacles such as:
- Regional sanctions and opposition, which complicates cooperation.
- The need for public support, potentially through referendums to validate the confederation project.

Recommendations for Success

Leaders should adopt a cautious approach to implementation to create suitable conditions for integration.
Engage local populations to build foundational support for the confederation.
Seek external assistance, for instance, from Morocco for broader regional links.

Author Background

Abdelhak Bassou is a Senior Fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, focusing on national security and geopolitics.
He has a robust background in Moroccan security, holding several key positions and holds a master's in political science and international studies.

About the Policy Center for the New South

The PCNS is a Moroccan think tank focused on shaping economic and social policies for Morocco and Africa within the global South.
Its mission emphasizes accountability, openness, and developing narratives that address regional and international relations.

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Description

Explore the historical development of cooperation and mutual aid initiatives in the Liptako-Gourma region. This quiz delves into the formation and significance of the Integrated Development Authority since the 1970s. Test your knowledge on the key concepts and events that have shaped this collaboration.