By John Ikani
Military leaders from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have declared a permanent break with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in a historic summit.
Meeting for the first time in Niamey, Niger’s capital, the junta chiefs – General Abdourahmane Tchiani of Niger, Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, and Colonel Assimi Goïta of Mali – solidified their newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The move comes after a series of coups that swept the region between 2020 and 2023. All three nations, plagued by jihadist violence, have cited this insecurity as a justification for military takeovers.
In January, they announced their departure from ECOWAS, which is holding its own summit this Sunday. General Tchiani, the summit host, emphasized the desire to build a new community “free from foreign control,” one based on African values and fostering peace, solidarity, and prosperity.
Captain Traoré, Burkina Faso’s leader, echoed this sentiment in a message, emphasizing the need to solidify “true independence” from exploitative “imperialists.” He criticized their view of Africa as a “source of subservience.”
Security cooperation remains a top priority for the AES, but the alliance also seeks closer economic ties, with the potential creation of a common currency to replace the French-backed CFA Franc used in many regional states. This move further distances them from France.
All three countries have expelled French troops involved in the anti-jihadist mission and embraced Russian military assistance. The junta leaders have consistently advocated for greater autonomy and a rejection of former colonial influence.
Their resistance to ECOWAS’ demands for a swift return to civilian rule has further strained relations. Captain Traoré’s arrival in Niamey was met with jubilant crowds waving flags, underlining the popular support for the alliance.
Sidi Mohamed, head of the National Youth Council, expressed his pride in an “African summit” where nations “pool their resources and forces” for development, free from foreign interference.
Colonel Goïta’s arrival on Saturday marked the completion of the junta summit. Meanwhile, ECOWAS presidents are set to meet in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday, where they are expected to respond to the new alliance and announce the activation of a regional security force.
The Sahel region has become a hotbed of Islamic State activity in recent years, contributing to widespread insecurity. Despite military rule, the violence in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali persists.
