THE military leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso convened in Niamey on Saturday for the first summit of the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This significant gathering marks their formal break from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which they exited earlier this year.
New confederation formed
General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger addressed his fellow leaders, declaring, ‘Our people have irrevocably turned their backs on ECOWAS.’ This statement underscores the resolve of these nations to distance themselves from the regional bloc, accusing it of being manipulated by former colonial ruler France and failing to provide adequate support against insurgent threats.
Anti-insurgency focus
The summit’s agenda was heavily focused on combating terrorism and consolidating cooperation among the three countries. This comes as the trio faces significant insurgent violence, particularly in the ‘three borders’ region where Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso meet.
‘The AES is the only effective sub-regional grouping in the fight against terrorism,’ Tiani stated, criticising ECOWAS for its perceived lack of involvement in these efforts.
ECOWAS summit response
ECOWAS is set to hold its own summit in Abuja on Sunday, where leaders will discuss the implications of the new Sahel Confederation. The regional bloc has been dealing with its own challenges, including insurgent violence and financial instability.
Sovereignty and cooperation
The leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have made sovereignty a cornerstone of their governance, with plans to create a common currency and deepen economic and defence cooperation. In mid-May, the foreign ministers of these countries drafted the confederation agreement, which was officially adopted at the summit.
Political and economic implications
Niger’s General Tiani welcomed Burkinabe President Ibrahim Traore and Malian Colonel Assimi Goita to Niamey, emphasising the solidarity and commitment of the three leaders to their new alliance. ‘This is a serious project with three committed heads of state showing their solidarity,’ said Gilles Yabi, founder of the West African think tank Wathi.
Future prospects
The AES has announced joint anti-insurgency efforts, although specific details remain scarce. The creation of a common currency, moving away from the CFA franc, is a significant long-term goal, though experts warn that it requires extensive technical and financial preparation.
Call for dialogue
Several West African leaders have recently called for a resumption of dialogue between ECOWAS and the AES. Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani have both expressed hopes for reconciliation and united efforts against insurgency.
However, the simultaneous summits of ECOWAS and AES this weekend highlight the potential for increased tensions. ‘I do not see the AES countries seeking to return to ECOWAS. I think it’s ECOWAS that will have to tone it down,’ said Nigerien lawyer Djibril Abarchi.
As the AES seeks to establish itself as a formidable alliance in West Africa, the region watches closely to see how this new political and economic landscape will evolve. The implications for regional stability, anti-insurgency efforts, and international relations are profound and far-reaching.
