The military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have celebrated a recently signed treaty as a move "towards greater integration" among the three nations, showcasing their departure from conventional regional and Western alliances. During a summit in Niamey, the leaders inked a confederation treaty that aims to bolster a mutual defense pact announced in the past year, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The signing marked the first joint summit of the leaders - Niger’s General Abdourahmane Tchiani, Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traore, and Mali’s Colonel Assimi Goita - since their successive coups. The treaty signing also follows the withdrawal of the three countries from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc in January. Speaking at the summit, General Tchiani criticized ECOWAS as "a threat to our states." The West African economic bloc had imposed sanctions on Niger and Mali after their military takeovers, prompting the trio's withdrawal. The military leaders accused foreign powers, particularly France, of interference in ECOWAS affairs. The strengthened relationship signifies that an attack on one member will be considered an attack on all, demonstrating a united front against external threats. The summit in Niamey was strategically held before an ECOWAS meeting in Nigeria, signaling the leaders' firm stance on not rejoining the regional bloc. Efforts to mend ties with ECOWAS have been ongoing, with recent visits from Senegal's president aimed at reconciliation. While the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States has weakened ECOWAS, calls for the bloc's reform to enhance regional integration and security persist. The summit also highlighted the shift in security dynamics, as the United States completes its troop withdrawal from Niger. In the aftermath of the coup and escalating violence from armed groups associated with extremist organizations, the three nations have sought new security and economic partnerships, including with Russia. However, the effectiveness of this new approach in addressing the ongoing violence and displacement across the region remains uncertain. Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali continue to grapple with instability and conflict, raising concerns about the welfare of their populations amidst the geopolitical realignments.