Niger: Alliance of Sahel States, ‘an irrevocable break with ECOWAS’, says President Abdourahamane Tiani

On the eve of Niger’s Independence Day celebrations, General Abdourahamane Tiani, head of state, reaffirmed the joint decision by Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Speaking firmly, he emphasized that this resolution, championed by the Alliance of Sahel states, is final and represents a pivotal shift for the member nations.

“This decision reflects a deep, thoughtful process and aligns with our pursuit of full sovereignty, which is vital for ensuring security and driving independent development,” General Tiani stated.

His remarks came shortly after the ECOWAS ordinary summit in Nigeria, where the bloc acknowledged the impending departure of the three AES nations, officially set for January 29, 2025.

In a move to potentially mend ties, ECOWAS offered an additional six months for dialogue, encouraging the nations to reconsider.

To facilitate this, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé were tasked with initiating discussions with AES leaders to explore a possible resolution.

General Tiani, however, assured that this transition would not lead to instability in Niger. “We remain committed to fostering good neighborly relations and cooperation with all West African countries,” he stated.

He also called for unity and resilience among Nigeriens to build a sovereign and prosperous state under the AES framework.

Demonstrating a spirit of regional solidarity, the AES announced on Saturday that its borders would remain open to ECOWAS citizens.

This gesture underscores the alliance’s commitment to balancing its aspirations for sovereignty with a willingness to maintain regional partnerships.

As the AES charts a new course, it envisions a future defined by independence and a renewed approach to governance.

Fayçal BADIE