The ECOWAS flag no longer flies in the official representations of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The decision of the AES is irrevocable
The countries of the Sahel States Alliance (AES) have officially removed the ECOWAS flag from their various representations, thus confirming the irreversible nature of the joint decision of these states to withdraw from the sub-regional institution.
In addition, letters have been sent by the Burkinabe, Malian, and soon undoubtedly the Nigerien governments, notifying the organization that their countries « are no longer bound by the deadline constraints for their withdrawal from ECOWAS ».
By removing the ECOWAS flag, the AES countries have taken a significant step in their divorce from the organization. The rupture is therefore confirmed, even though the ECOWAS Commission says it is ready for a negotiated solution following the AES announcement. There is no turning back, Presidents Ibrahim Traoré, Assimi Goïta, and Abdourahamane Tiani have been clear and categorical.
So, what can these « supposed » negotiations achieve ? Nothing, because these talks will not take place despite ongoing negotiations (with emissaries of the Togolese president recently in Niamey, visits of Malian ministers to Lomé…).
An extraordinary meeting of ECOWAS ministers is taking place today to address the crises in the sub-region, including the AES withdrawal and the Senegalese political crisis. Whatever the conclusions of this meeting, the AES has confirmed its decision…
