Sahel States cement alliance, turn back on ECOWAS
Niger’s military leader, speaking alongside the junta chiefs from Mali and Burkina Faso, declared their nations are “irrevocably” severing ties with the West African bloc, ECOWAS.
Meeting for the first time to solidify their alliance, the leaders emphasized their departure from ECOWAS and the establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in response to regional opposition.
Recall that Soldiers seized power in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger through coups between 2020 and 2023, citing jihadist violence as a key motivator.
In January, these countries announced their intention to leave ECOWAS, which is convening its own summit on Sunday.
At Saturday’s meeting in Niamey, Niger’s capital, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani emphasized the need for a community of sovereign states “far from the control of foreign powers,” based on African values of peace, solidarity, and prosperity.
Burkina Faso’s Capt Ibrahim Traoré and Mali’s Col Assimi Goïta joined Tchiani in these discussions.
Capt Traoré criticized historical imperialist attitudes towards Africa, calling for true independence and solidarity among Sahel states.
The AES aims to enhance security cooperation and economic integration, including the creation of a common currency to replace the France-backed CFA Franc.
All three countries have expelled French troops and sought Russian military assistance, reinforcing their calls for sovereignty and a rejection of former colonial powers. They have also resisted ECOWAS demands for a rapid return to civilian rule.
The summit in Niamey was marked by enthusiastic public support, with crowds celebrating the arrival of junta leaders.
Sidi Mohamed, head of the National Youth Council, expressed pride in the formation of an African alliance focused on development without foreign interference.
The wider West African bloc will respond at a heads of state meeting in Abuja on Sunday, where they are expected to announce the activation of a standby force to address regional insecurity. Despite the juntas’ efforts, the Sahel remains a hotspot for militant activity and instability.
Source: BBC
