The nations of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, all grappling with recent coups, have firmly decided against rejoining the West African regional bloc, fearing it could exacerbate ongoing regional unrest.
Leaders of the military juntas from these countries convened in Niamey, Niger’s capital, marking their inaugural summit since withdrawing from ECOWAS in January. They criticized ECOWAS for failing its duties and committed to strengthening their own union, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), established last year amidst strained relations with neighboring states.
Niger’s military head, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, emphasized, “ECOWAS, in its current form, poses a threat to our nations.” He asserted, “We aim to form an AES that represents our people, unlike ECOWAS, which often follows directives from external powers.”
Their meeting, held just ahead of an ECOWAS summit in Nigeria, underscores deep divisions within the regional bloc. Tchiani stated, “Today, our goal is to make the Sahelian confederation a viable alternative to ineffective regional organizations, fostering a sovereign community.”
Observers note these simultaneous gatherings highlight ECOWAS’s internal discord, once the predominant political authority for its 15 member nations, now grappling with the unprecedented exits of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
During the summit, agreements were inked covering security, non-aggression pacts, and cooperation in economic, monetary, and social spheres. Presidents Assimi Goita of Mali, Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso, and Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger signed these pacts.
The summit preceded the upcoming ECOWAS meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, starting on July 6, 2024. Mali assumes the AES presidency for the next year, with Burkina Faso hosting the organization’s parliamentary summit.
