AES/ECOWAS: Resistance and outspokenness of AES leaders behind conversion of West African organisation’s leaders?

The leaders of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have consistently condemned the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their perceived passivity and silence regarding the challenges faced by member countries.

Accusations of inadequate support in the fight against terrorism and a tendency to bow to the will of foreign powers have been particularly pointed.

After AES member states decided to leave ECOWAS for these reasons, aiming to build a stronger force to confront shared challenges, they faced threats, particularly from some ECOWAS officials.

This reaction was notably evident following the coups in these countries.

The public denunciations, boldness, and resilience of AES leaders in the face of ECOWAS’s threats and sanctions have inspired and emboldened many Africans who yearn for true sovereignty and independence.

This shift has awakened minds and loosened tongues, with increasing open criticism of ECOWAS being complicit with imperialist forces against revolutionary countries.

ECOWAS has also been widely criticized for its silence on the successes of soldiers combating terrorism, the terrorist attacks themselves, and even worse, on the imperialist threats and foreign interference in member countries, particularly those of the AES.

Many African observers are now questioning whether ECOWAS leaders have recognized their failings.

This speculation arises from recent changes in how ECOWAS leaders have been responding to various situations, exemplified by the recent statements from the President of the ECOWAS Commission regarding events in northern Mali.

In a statement dated August 5, the ECOWAS Commission condemned the foreign interference in the late July attacks in northern Mali, marked by the presence of Ukrainian soldiers alongside terrorists and the open support for terrorists by Ukrainian officials.

According to the Commission, such interference poses a threat to peace and security in West Africa and risks dragging the region into current geopolitical conflicts.

Is this a metamorphosis, a newfound awareness that will prioritize the well-being of the region’s people over the interests of foreign powers? Only time will tell. Wait and see.

Neil Camara