Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso launch joint bid to co-host 2032 Africa Cup of Nations

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso — the three countries forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — have expressed their desire to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2032, according to their respective football federations.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched the bidding process for the 38th edition of the tournament, and the three Sahelian nations have signaled their joint interest.

Working Session with CAF President

The heads of the three football federations participated on Saturday in New York in a working session with CAF President Patrice Motsepe, "with a view to a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations," according to a statement dated Tuesday from the Malian Football Federation.

The statement described the meeting as "a decisive step in the bidding process" that "now allows the three member associations to continue the procedures provided for by CAF regulations for the awarding of the 2032 AFCON."

The three federations will continue "the necessary work to prepare a solid, credible bid that carries a new vision for African football" in order "to offer the continent a competition meeting international standards," the Malian federation added. The information was also communicated by the Nigerien federation.

Motsepe's Response

Fenifoot (Nigerien Football Federation) reported in a statement that Patrice Motsepe "welcomed this initiative based on a vision of regional cooperation and encouraged the three countries to continue their efforts," according to RFI.

Motsepe stated during a press conference:

"I think we need to face reality. And of course, democracy, freedom of expression, and regular elections are non-negotiable, they are essential. But I will go to these countries to discuss the football side. And of course, the decision on where the Africa Cup of Nations will take place will be up to the CAF Executive Committee."

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The Question of Security

The three Sahelian countries, neighbors and allies within the AES confederation, are led by juntas from coups d'état pursuing a sovereignist policy. They face severe security crises fueled by deadly attacks from the Sahelian branches of Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, which have killed thousands across large swaths of their territories.

"Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali will have as much chance as the others. But safety and security issues are questions we will have to address," Patrice Motsepe argued.

Historical Context

• Burkina Faso hosted the AFCON in 1998
• Mali hosted the AFCON in 2002
• Niger has never yet organized the competition

Ouagadougou and Bamako have recently invested in their football infrastructure.