Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso back confederation The foreign ministers of military-ruled Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger on Friday recommended creating a confederation as part of a long-term goal of uniting the West African neighbours within a federation. Mali and Burkina, ruled by juntas who seized power in coups in 2020 and 2022 respectively, rushed to back Niger’s military rulers when they ousted elected president Mohamed Bazoum in July. They created a pact, the Alliance of Sahel States, setting up closer economic ties and mutual defence assistance if the sovereignty or territorial integrity of a member is threatened. How Drunk Driver…