Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have officially entered the race to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), unveiling a joint bid that the three neighbouring countries say will promote regional unity and help shape a new future for African football.
The joint proposal comes after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) invited countries to submit applications to host the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions of the continent's biggest football tournament. The bid is being driven by the three Sahel nations, all currently under military-led governments and members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
In announcing the bid, the Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) said the proposal would be built around "solidarity, regional integration and sustainable development of African football".
The federation added that it would work closely with the relevant authorities to prepare a "solid, credible bid" that would present a fresh vision for the growth of football across the continent.
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formally withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) last year after creating the Alliance of Sahel States. The alliance was formed to strengthen cooperation in areas including security, infrastructure, trade and economic development.
The three countries, however, continue to face security challenges due to attacks by armed jihadist groups. Their governments have also shifted away from traditional Western security partners while building closer ties with Russia.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Caf president Patrice Motsepe said the military leadership of the three countries would not affect how their bid is assessed.
"They are not going to be disadvantaged or prejudiced by the fact that they are military juntas, but you raise a very important point," Motsepe added.
"The questions of safety and security… those are questions that we will have to address. But there's no decision that has been taken as to where it [Afcon 2032] will go."
Motsepe said Caf would also have to consider the realities on the ground before making any decision.
"Of course, democracy and freedom of speech and regular elections, that's non-negotiable. And that's critical," he said.
"But I will be visiting those countries to engage on the football part."
He stressed that the final decision on the hosts of the next three Afcon tournaments would rest with Caf's executive committee.
"There are so many presidents who think I have the power to decide that the Afcon is going to go to a certain country," he said.
"I don't want that power because part of my duty is to create a culture where Caf functions in a manner that reflects ethics and governance and transparency, but also global best practices.
"The standards are very high. We have to be convinced that there will be free movement of our fans and spectators in and out.
"We have to be convinced - and this applies to every country - that our fans and our guests will be safe, will be protected by the police and [there will be] good infrastructure."
The bid was discussed during a meeting in New York on Saturday ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup final. Motsepe met the presidents of the football federations of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, while Colonel-Major Djibrilla Hima Hamidou, a Fifa Council member and honorary president of Niger's football federation, also attended.
Burkina Faso previously hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1998, while Mali staged the tournament in 2002. If successful, the 2032 edition would be another milestone for joint hosting after Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda become the first three countries to co-host the competition next year.
Caf has already confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations will be held every four years beginning with the 2028 tournament. Motsepe also revealed that the governing body has received "exciting bids" for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions and is still considering expanding the competition from 24 to 28 teams.
Beyond football, the Alliance of Sahel States continues to deepen cooperation among its members. On Tuesday, Burkina Faso's transitional parliament approved the creation of Daande Liptako Radio and Tafouk TV, two joint media platforms expected to promote the alliance's message and strengthen regional cooperation in information and communication