Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have launched a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations, marking the first major collaborative sporting initiative undertaken by the three countries under the Alliance of Sahel States.

The proposal followed the Confederation of African Football’s decision to open the bidding process for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions of Africa’s leading football tournament. CAF has accepted the countries’ declaration of interest, allowing them to proceed to the next stage of the bidding process.

The Malian Football Federation said the bid would be guided by solidarity, regional integration and the sustainable development of African football.

It added that the football federations and relevant government authorities would work together to prepare a credible proposal capable of presenting a fresh vision for the continental tournament.

According to BBC Sport Africa, CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the three military-led countries would not be disadvantaged because of their systems of government. However, he stressed that security, infrastructure and the free movement of supporters would be important factors in evaluating the bid.

“They are not going to be disadvantaged or prejudiced by the fact that they are military juntas,” Motsepe said, adding that no decision had been taken on the host of the 2032 tournament.

Motsepe explained that CAF’s Executive Committee would make the final decision after assessing whether each bidder could provide adequate stadiums, transportation facilities, accommodation and security for teams and supporters.

The joint proposal comes as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger strengthen political, economic and security cooperation through the Alliance of Sahel States following their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States.

The three countries continue to face attacks by armed groups across parts of the Sahel, raising concerns about their ability to guarantee safety during a major international competition.

Burkina Faso previously hosted AFCON in 1998, while Mali staged the tournament in 2002. Niger has never hosted the competition.

The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17. Beginning with the 2028 edition, the tournament will move from its traditional two-year cycle to a four-year schedule.