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.
