Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Jointly Bid to Host 2032 Africa Cup of Nations

Key Takeaways

• The three countries have submitted a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations.
• The bid is built around solidarity, regional integration, and sustainable development of African football.
• The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has not yet made a decision on the host country.

The announcement comes as the Confederation of African Football (Caf) opened applications for the 2028, 2032, and 2036 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. The joint bid from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger aims to bring a new vision to the continental game and strengthen regional co-operation in football.

The security situation in the three countries remains deeply unstable, with attacks from armed jihadist groups. However, the presidents of the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, which has raised concerns about security guarantees.

Background & Context

The three countries, led by military governments, officially left the West African regional bloc Ecowas last year and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The AES aims to strengthen co-operation in areas such as security, infrastructure, trade, and economic development.

The AES has also moved to create joint media platforms, including Daande Liptako Radio and Tafouk TV, which are planned as joint media outlets for the AES. The platforms are expected to promote the alliance's message and strengthen regional co-operation in information and communication.

Key Findings

The Caf president, Patrice Motsepe, has stated that the three countries "will have as good a chance as everybody else" of hosting the finals. However, he also emphasized the importance of safety and security guarantees, which will be a critical factor in the decision-making process.

Motsepe has also highlighted the need for high standards in infrastructure, fan safety, and police protection. He has promised to visit the countries to engage on the football part and will ultimately decide who will host the next three editions of Afcon with the executive committee.

Broader Implications

The joint bid from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger has significant implications for the future of African football. It represents a new era of regional co-operation and solidarity, which could lead to greater success on the continental stage.

However, the security situation in the three countries remains a major concern, and the bid will face significant scrutiny from the Caf. The decision on the host country will be a critical test of the alliance's ability to deliver on its promises and provide a safe and secure environment for fans and spectators.

Looking Ahead

The Caf has received "exciting bids" for the 2028, 2032, and 2036 Afcons, and the decision on the host country will be made in due course. The three countries will need to demonstrate their ability to provide a safe and secure environment for fans and spectators, as well as meet the high standards required for the tournament.

The future of African football is exciting, and the joint bid from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger represents a new era of regional co-operation and solidarity. Only time will tell if the alliance can deliver on its promises and provide a successful and safe tournament.