Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all currently run by military governments, have submitted a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations. This move follows the Confederation of African Football (CAF) opening applications for future tournaments. Mali's football federation stated the plan is built on "solidarity, regional integration and sustainable development" of the game across Africa.
These three nations quit the West African bloc Ecowas last year, one year ago, and subsequently formed their own Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The AES focuses on security, trade, and infrastructure, reflecting a strategic realignment. All three countries are actively fighting jihadist insurgencies, a persistent security concern within the region. Their governments have also shifted away from traditional Western military partners, forging closer ties with Russia instead.
Capital's Conditions
CAF president Patrice Motsepe acknowledged the bid, stating the three countries "will have as good a chance as everybody else." He explicitly added that they would not be disadvantaged "because they are military juntas," a clear concession to the existing power structures. Motsepe also asserted that CAF must "deal with reality," even while insisting democracy, free speech, and elections remain "non-negotiable." This reveals the inherent contradictions when capital seeks to operate within politically unstable environments.
Motsepe plans to visit the three countries to discuss the football aspects of the bid. The final decision on hosts rests with CAF's executive committee, not with Motsepe personally. CAF demands guarantees on fan safety, free movement, and infrastructure before selecting any host, conditions essential for the smooth operation and profitability of a major international sporting event. The heads of the Malian, Burkinabé, and Nigerien football federations, alongside Niger's honorary federation president, Colonel-Major Djibrilla Hima Hamidou, met Motsepe in New York on Saturday, in the same year, ahead of the 2026 World Cup final.
Expanding Markets
Burkina Faso previously hosted Afcon 28 years ago, in 1998, and Mali hosted 24 years ago, in 2002. The upcoming tournament, set in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marks the first time three nations will co-host. From 2028, Afcon will switch to a four-year cycle, signaling a more structured approach to its commercial calendar. Motsepe reported that CAF has received "exciting bids" for future editions and is considering expanding the tournament from 24 to 28 teams, a move that would increase revenue streams through more matches and broader participation.
Managing the Narrative
Beyond the football bid, the AES bloc is actively building its own media presence. Just two days ago, on Tuesday, Burkina Faso's transitional parliament approved two joint outlets: Daande Liptako Radio and Tafouk TV. These new media channels are explicitly intended to promote the alliance and boost regional cooperation on information, serving to consolidate the narrative of the military governments and their new regional alignment.