In a significant shift, the military-led governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formed a new regional bloc, the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), following their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The leaders of the three countries signed a treaty in Niamey on Saturday, marking a step towards greater integration and solidarity among the Sahel states. General Abdourahamane Tiani, head of Niger’s military government, emphasized the sovereignty and regional solidarity of the Sahel states, stating, “This move is a definitive shift away from ECOWAS.”
The AES countries have established a joint military force to enhance their defence capabilities against jihadist threats and plan to integrate critical sectors such as agriculture, water, energy, and transport. The promotion of indigenous languages in local media is also a key aspect of the bloc’s cultural and social cohesion agenda.
The creation of AES has strained relations with ECOWAS, which imposed sanctions and military intervention threats after the coup in Niger in July 2023. Although sanctions were lifted in February, the atmosphere remains tense, with ECOWAS set to discuss the implications of AES and future relations at a leaders’ summit in Abuja on Sunday.
