AES leaves ECOWAS: No time to waste or tolerate unpleasant surprises
The members of the Sahel Alliance of States (AES) are determined to avoid any unpleasant surprises following their collective decision to leave ECOWAS. Since the official announcement of this decision last January, consultations have been underway to address potential consequences.
On Monday, July 22, 2024, a session focusing on economic issues within the AES region began, related to the departure of the three countries from the West African organization. Specifically, the customs officials from the three AES member countries are meeting in Niamey from Monday, July 22 to Thursday, July 25, 2024.
This meeting is the first gathering of the Sahel Alliance of States Customs Directors General, primarily focused on the Customs IT interconnection within the AES area and the crucial issue of the free movement of people, goods, and services in the Sahel Alliance of States zone. After the domain experts have worked on the interconnection of customs IT systems, the Directors General will finalize their conclusions.
Following this, another expert meeting will be held on the AES countries’ departure from ECOWAS, followed by a meeting of the Sahel Alliance of States Customs Directors General. The goal is to quickly find solutions to problems that may arise for the Sahel populations, considering the challenges expected from ECOWAS leaders.
This demonstrates the AES members’ determination to overcome all obstacles in their quest for sovereignty, freedom, and prosperity for their states. It is noteworthy that friendly countries to AES, such as the Republic of Togo and the Republic of Chad, have been invited to this meeting.
