Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are set to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January 2024, creating significant challenges for regional security and trade. Mediation efforts are ongoing, but the three nations, under military rule, accuse ECOWAS of being subservient to France. Their departure highlights rising anti-French sentiment and the growing influence of Russia in the Sahel.
The military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have announced the formation of a new confederation, the ‘Alliance of Sahel States,’ signaling a decisive break from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The summit, held in Niamey, Niger, signifies the trio’s move away from ECOWAS, which has imposed sanctions on Niger following a coup last year.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, all ruled by military juntas, have formally announced their break from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The three countries accuse ECOWAS of being influenced by France and failing to address jihadist violence, instead seeking partnerships with Russia, Turkey, and Iran. This move further strains relations between the Sahel nations and ECOWAS, which previously threatened military intervention in Niger following the 2023 coup.
