The military leaders of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have formally announced their departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and have established a new alliance called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This decision was declared during the maiden summit of AES held in Niamey, Niger, where General Abdourahamane Tchiani of Niger made the announcement alongside General Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso and Colonel Assimi Goita of Mali.
The formation of AES aims to deepen economic and security cooperation among the three Sahel nations, which have faced strained relations with ECOWAS following periods of military takeovers and subsequent sanctions imposed by the regional body.
The rift between these countries and ECOWAS escalated after ECOWAS imposed sanctions in response to coups and other political disruptions. The trio accused ECOWAS of deviating from its original mandate and failing to adequately support their efforts against terrorism in the region. This dissatisfaction ultimately led to their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS and establish AES.
In addition to exiting ECOWAS, the three nations had earlier established a mutual defense pact to safeguard themselves against potential military interventions threatened by ECOWAS. They have now formalized their new alliance with plans to adopt a confederation agreement aimed at strengthening their collective security and economic resilience.
General Tchiani criticized France for what he perceived as inadequate support in combating jihadist activities in the Sahel region and highlighted AES as a more effective entity in this fight compared to ECOWAS. He emphasized that AES would prioritize addressing security challenges in the Sahel, positioning it as a critical regional grouping in the fight against terrorism.
Overall, the establishment of AES marks a significant geopolitical shift in West Africa, reshaping regional dynamics and alliances amid ongoing security and governance challenges.