Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have officially formed a new political and economic alliance, declaring their formal separation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This new confederation, known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), was established following a treaty signed by the military leaders of the three countries, emphasizing their collective intent to pursue a path independent of ECOWAS.
The treaty signing, held during the inaugural AES summit this weekend, underscores an intensifying partnership among these nations. All three have experienced military coups between 2020 and 2023, which led them to sever many existing ties with regional and Western powers. This move highlights their ongoing struggle with Islamist insurgencies and economic challenges.
General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger, during the summit, stated that the AES is a culmination of a “determined common will to reclaim our national sovereignty.” He passionately conveyed that the people of these nations have permanently turned their backs on ECOWAS, proposing the AES as a viable alternative to other regional groups, which he claims are influenced unduly by foreign powers.
The newly formed AES aims to coordinate on various fronts, including political alignment, economic development, and defense strategies, although the extent of this integration remains to be seen. The alliance is setting up structures such as an AES investment bank and a stabilization fund, and plans to collaborate on projects in key sectors such as mining, energy, and agriculture.
This development comes just a day before an ECOWAS summit, which had aimed to bring these countries back into its fold. ECOWAS has previously tried to use diplomatic pressure and sanctions to influence the countries’ policies post-coups, including a threat of military intervention in Niger last year which never materialized.
The break from ECOWAS does not only signify a shift in allegiance but also poses significant economic repercussions. It disrupts decades of regional integration and could complicate nearly $150 billion in annual trade and services flow among the member states. The split reflects broader dissatisfaction with ECOWAS, which the three states accuse of straying from its foundational ideals and failing to adequately support them against the growing threats from Islamist militants.
Over the years, thousands have been killed and more than 3 million displaced due to the insurgencies plaguing these regions. In response, the trio has increasingly sought partnerships beyond their traditional allies like France, the United States, and regional leader Nigeria, turning instead towards new diplomatic and defense engagements, notably with Russia.
