NIAMEY: The military regimes of Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali marked their divorce from the rest of West Africa on Saturday, with Niger’s ruling general saying the junta-led countries have “turned their backs on” the regional bloc.
Leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso convened for the inaugural summit of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), officially breaking away from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) earlier this year.
The summit, held in Niger’s capital Niamey, saw General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger declaring their irrevocable departure from ECOWAS, citing perceived manipulation and inadequate support from the bloc in anti-militant efforts.
“The AES is now the only effective sub-regional grouping in the fight against terrorism,” stated General Tiani during the summit.
The decision to exit ECOWAS was accompanied by a strategic shift away from former colonial power France, with General Tiani advocating for the AES to forge relationships with “sincere partners” like Russia, Turkey, and Iran, while severing ties with anti-militant French troops.
Colonel Assimi Goita of Mali and Burkina Faso’s General Ibrahim Traore joined General Tiani at the summit, marking their first collective appearance since assuming power through coups between 2020 and 2023.
The AES leaders have signaled their intent to deepen cooperation, including joint efforts against militant insurgencies plaguing the Sahel region.
Sovereignty and economic integration are central pillars of the AES agenda, with plans to establish a common currency to replace the CFA franc shared with neighboring countries.
Despite calls from some West African leaders for reconciliation, including Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, the AES leaders appear resolute in their separation from ECOWAS.
While the AES summit primarily focused on political reaffirmation, concerns linger about potential economic implications, particularly regarding currency transitions and regional integration.
As ECOWAS prepares for its own summit in Abuja on Sunday, discussions on relations with AES are expected to dominate the agenda.
