The military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have announced the formation of a new confederation, the ‘Alliance of Sahel States,’ signaling a decisive break from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The summit, held in Niamey, Niger, signifies the trio’s move away from ECOWAS, which has imposed sanctions on Niger following a coup last year.
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has announced the designation of the Creation of Canada’s Permanent Military Force (1871-1883) as an event of national historic significance under Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration. The designation recognizes the establishment of a standing military force in Canada after the withdrawal of British military forces following Confederation in 1867. This marked the beginning of military professionalization in the country.
