The military leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have made a bold statement by declaring their departure from the West African bloc, Ecowas. In a historic meeting in Niamey, the three junta chiefs announced the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States, a new alliance aimed at promoting peace, solidarity, and prosperity based on African values.
The decision to leave Ecowas comes after a series of coups in the three countries from 2020 to 2023, with jihadist violence cited as a major reason for the military takeovers. The leaders emphasized their desire to build a community of sovereign peoples free from the influence of foreign powers.
Security cooperation and economic ties are top priorities for the Alliance of Sahel States, with plans to create a common currency and reject the France-backed CFA Franc. The countries have also expelled French soldiers and turned to Russia for military assistance, signaling a shift away from former colonial powers.
Calls for greater sovereignty and resistance to calls for a rapid return to civilian rule have been key themes in the rhetoric of the junta leaders. The presidents of Ecowas will have the opportunity to respond at a heads of state meeting in Abuja, where they are expected to announce the activation of a standby force to combat regional insecurity.
The Sahel region has become a hotspot for Islamic State militant activity, leading to increased instability and insecurity. Despite the efforts of the military juntas, the violence in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali continues to pose a significant challenge. The formation of the Alliance of Sahel States marks a new chapter in the region’s quest for stability and independence.
