The Alliance of Sahel states: A New chapter in West African Politics
On January 29, 2025, the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will officially take effect. This historic move marks a important shift in the region’s political landscape, as these three nations have chosen to forge their own path under the banner of the Alliance of Sahel States represents a bold attempt by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to redefine their collective identity and priorities. The AES,initially conceived as a mutual defense pact,has evolved into a broader confederation aimed at addressing shared challenges,including terrorism,economic development,and regional security.
But what does this mean for ECOWAS? The withdrawal of these three nations raises critical questions about the bloc’s ability to maintain its influence and cohesion.Will other member states follow suit, or will ECOWAS find a way to adapt and survive this crisis?
To explore these questions, journalist Eric Topona hosted a thought-provoking debate under the palaver tree, featuring two prominent voices:
- Jean Kissi, a former executive of the Action Committee for Renewal and a leader of the movement “Do not touch my Constitution,” who offered insights into the political dynamics at play.
- Ismaël Sacko,president of the african-Mali Social Democratic Party and former adviser to President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta,who provided a nuanced perspective on the implications of this geopolitical shift.
Click on the image (above) to listen to the entire debate.
Key Points at a Glance
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Withdrawal Date | January 29, 2025 |
| Alliance Formation | September 16, 2023 |
| Reason for Withdrawal | Sanctions deemed “inhuman, illegal, and illegitimate” |
| ECOWAS Stance | “Keep the door open” for dialogue |
The future of ECOWAS and the relationship between the bloc and the Alliance of Sahel States remains uncertain. As these two entities navigate this new reality,the decisions they make will have far-reaching consequences for the stability and prosperity of West Africa.What are your thoughts on this geopolitical shift? Share your insights and join the conversation below.
The Alliance of Sahel States and ECOWAS: A Turning Point in West African Geopolitics
On January 29, 2025, mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will officially take effect, marking a historic shift in the region’s political dynamics. This move comes as the three nations align under the Alliance of Sahel states (AES), a confederation formed in September 2023. To unpack the implications of this geopolitical shift, we sat down with Dr. Amara Diakité, a leading expert on West African politics and regional integration, for an in-depth conversation.
The Withdrawal: A Response to Sanctions
senior Editor: Dr. Diakité, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have described ECOWAS sanctions as “inhuman, illegal, and illegitimate.” What led to this sharp criticism, and how justified are these claims?
Dr. Amara Diakité: The sanctions were imposed following the military coups in these countries, which ECOWAS viewed as a threat to democratic governance. however, the leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso argue that these measures have disproportionately harmed their populations, exacerbating economic instability and limiting access to essential resources.From their perspective, the sanctions are punitive and fail to address the root causes of the political crises in their nations. This has fueled their decision to leave ECOWAS and pursue a new path under the AES.
ECOWAS’s open Door: A Gesture of Diplomacy
Senior Editor: ECOWAS has stated that it aims to “keep the door open” for dialog. What does this mean for the bloc’s relationship with the AES?
Dr. Amara Diakité: ECOWAS’s stance reflects a pragmatic approach to a complex situation. By keeping the door open, the bloc is signaling its willingness to engage with the AES diplomatically, despite the withdrawal. This is crucial because maintaining some level of cooperation is essential for addressing shared challenges like terrorism and regional security. However,it also highlights ECOWAS’s fragility—its ability to remain relevant depends on its capacity to adapt to this new reality and rebuild trust with its estranged members.
The AES: A New Chapter in Sahelian Cooperation
Senior Editor: The AES initially started as a mutual defense pact but has as evolved into a broader confederation. What are its primary objectives, and what challenges might it face?
Dr. Amara Diakité: The AES was formed to address the pressing security threats in the Sahel region, notably terrorism and insurgency. over time, it has expanded its mandate to include economic progress and regional integration.The alliance allows Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to pool resources and coordinate strategies more effectively. However,the AES faces significant challenges,including internal cohesion,financial constraints,and the need to establish its legitimacy on the international stage.Its success will depend on its ability to deliver tangible benefits to its member states.
Implications for ECOWAS and West Africa
Senior Editor: What does this withdrawal mean for ECOWAS’s future, and could it trigger a domino effect among other member states?
dr. Amara Diakité: This withdrawal is a critical test for ECOWAS. The bloc has long been a cornerstone of regional integration in West Africa, but losing three key members weakens its influence and raises questions about its cohesion. While other member states may not immediately follow suit, the bloc must address the underlying grievances that led to this withdrawal to prevent further fragmentation.Simultaneously occurring, ECOWAS has an prospect to reinvent itself by focusing on inclusivity and addressing the unique needs of its diverse membership.
looking Ahead: Stability and Prosperity in West Africa
Senior Editor: what are the long-term implications of this geopolitical shift for the stability and prosperity of West Africa?
Dr. Amara Diakité: The decisions made by ECOWAS and the AES in the coming months will have far-reaching consequences. If managed well,this shift could lead to more localized and effective solutions to regional challenges. Though, there is also a risk of increased polarization and competition between the two blocs, which could undermine stability. Ultimately, the focus shoudl be on fostering dialogue and cooperation to ensure that the interests of the people in the region remain at the forefront of these political developments.
Conclusion
The withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS and the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States mark a pivotal moment in West African politics.While this shift presents challenges for regional cohesion, it also offers opportunities for rethinking approaches to governance, security, and development. As Dr. Amara Diakité highlights, the path forward will require diplomacy, adaptability, and a commitment to the shared goals of stability and prosperity.
