Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Submit Joint Bid for 2032 Afcon
Three countries led by military governments—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—have submitted a joint bid to host the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). This comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) opened applications for hosting rights in 2028, 2032, and 2036. The Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) stated their proposal aims to build 'solidarity, regional integration, and sustainable development.' According to Femafoot, they will work closely with relevant authorities to prepare a 'solid, credible bid' that reflects these goals.
The three neighboring countries recently formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), creating greater co-operation in areas like security and infrastructure. However, concerns over regional stability persist due to ongoing attacks from armed jihadist groups. Despite this, CAF president Patrice Motsepe remains optimistic about their bid, saying they 'will have as good a chance as everybody else' for hosting the finals.
Why Regional Cooperation Is Key
The leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger met with CAF officials in New York to discuss their proposal. This meeting took place ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Their joint bid showcases a new vision for regional integration through sports. However, security concerns loom large, especially after Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger left the West African Economic Community (ECOWAS) to form AES.
CAF’s Decision Process
Caf’s executive committee will ultimately decide which country will host Afcon in 2032. Motsepe emphasized that they need to address safety and infrastructure, but also highlighted the importance of democracy and freedom of speech for long-term cooperation. 'Of course, democracy and freedom of speech are non-negotiable,' he noted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question?
Can these countries still apply to host Afcon despite their current military governments?
Answer.
Yes, they can. CAF president Patrice Motsepe stated that they 'will have as good a chance as everybody else' for hosting the finals in 2032.