West Africa: AES countries slam the door on ECOWAS to defend their sovereignty
The member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), namely Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, have reaffirmed their decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in pursuit of sovereignty.
In contrast to ECOWAS officials’ statements, this withdrawal constitutes a significant loss for the regional organization economically, demographically, and geopolitically.
The implications of this withdrawal are substantial. Economically, these three AES countries play a vital role in intra-regional trade and possess strategic natural resources.
Demographically, they contribute significantly to ECOWAS’s total population, thereby bolstering the organization’s demographic weight.
Geopolitically, their departure alters the balance of power and alliances within the region.
Aware of the impact of their decision, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé have been appointed as mediators to reconcile the two organizations.
However, the leaders of the AES countries remain steadfast in their position. Their exit from ECOWAS is an assertion of sovereignty aimed at better meeting the aspirations of their populations.
This decision underscores the Sahel states’ determination to chart their own course and build a future based on intra-Sahelian cooperation and autonomous management of their resources and development.
Related article: AES/ECOWAS: Threats and sanctions, A habit of the community organisation’s leaders
Olivier TOE
