The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is presenting a united front in its dealings with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as its member countries—Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali—prepare to withdraw from the regional bloc.
Foreign ministers from the AES met in Ouagadougou on Sunday to finalize details of their formal exit, scheduled for Tuesday, January 28. During the meeting, the alliance emphasized adopting a “global approach” to future negotiations and relations with ECOWAS, ensuring they act as a unified entity.
The three nations announced their intent to leave ECOWAS shortly after forming the Alliance of Sahel States, known by its French acronym AES. Their decision follows strained relations with ECOWAS due to military coups in Mali (2020), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023).
ECOWAS condemned the coups, suspended their memberships, and demanded a return to civilian rule. However, the military governments rejected these calls, expelled French troops from their territories, and sought support from Russia to combat ongoing jihadist insurgencies.
The AES ministers stated that future discussions with ECOWAS must recognize the alliance as a cohesive actor committed to peaceful coexistence while pursuing its regional objectives.