Commitment to Unity, Stability “promising step” for Prosperity of Africa’s Sahel Region: Christian Professionals

The Sahel region stretches from the Atlantic Ocean Eastward through Northern Senegal, Southern Mauritania, the great bend of the Niger River in Mali, Burkina Faso, Southern Niger, Northeastern Nigeria, South-central Chad, and into Sudan.

The three countries announced their withdrawal from the major Sahel Bloc in January and its remaining members have called for them to re-join.

The newly created alliance of the three countries is hostile toward their countries’ former colonial ruler France and other Western countries and instead have turned to other partners such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran, according to a July 4 France 24 report.

In their statement on July 8, ACFP members praised the formation of the alliance, calling it “a commendable move equipped with legal instruments that promise to foster unity, stability, and development.”

Africa’s Christian professionals cite Articles 3 and 4 of the African Union Charter, which advocate for promoting peace, security, and stability on the continent and consider “upholding democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law” as fundamental principles.

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Additionally, they say, “the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance, with Article 2 (Objectives) enhancing adherence to the rule of law and good governance, and Article 3 (Principles) upholding constitutional supremacy, provide crucial support.”

ACFP members emphasize the importance of the unity of the three countries by further highlighting articles 1 and 55 of the UN Charter, which they say upholds international peace and security and fosters economic and social progress and development.

The Christian Professionals say the collective effort by the three countries “resonates with the core values of promoting human rights, regional solidarity, and sustainable development.”

“We believe that through collaboration, mutual respect, and shared goals, the region can overcome its challenges and pave the way for a brighter future for all its citizens,” they say.

ACFP members go on to “urge the international community to support these efforts and recognize the importance of an integrated and peaceful Sahel region in contributing to the overall stability and development of the African continent.”