By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), made up of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has firmly rejected a six-month timeline set by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their potential reconsideration of leaving the regional bloc. The AES leaders, in a joint statement, argue that the timeline is a strategy aimed at destabilizing their newly formed coalition. They view ECOWAS’s actions as part of a broader plot led by France and its allies to continue interference in their domestic affairs.
In a recent summit held in Abuja, Nigeria, ECOWAS had proposed a transition period lasting until July 2025 to allow the countries to reflect on their decision to exit the organization, which is officially set for January 2025. However, the AES leaders, who had previously declared their departure irreversible, criticized the sanctions imposed on them and accused ECOWAS of neglecting their internal security crises.
As the three nations press on with their exit plans, they are also exploring how to issue travel documents separately and prepare for life outside ECOWAS, raising concerns about visa-free movement and their future regional relations.
The rejection of ECOWAS’s withdrawal timeline by the AES is a significant development in the region’s political landscape. While the political tension between these countries and ECOWAS seems to be escalating, it underscores the complexity of post-coup governance in West Africa. The key challenge will be finding a balance between sovereignty and regional cooperation, particularly in areas like trade and security. For the three countries, their departure could mean isolation, but it also reflects a broader desire for independence from external influences.
