Niamey and Ouagadougou, January 28, 2025 – In a show of defiance against the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), thousands of citizens in Niger and Burkina Faso took to the streets on Tuesday to celebrate their countries’ imminent departure from the bloc. This marks a historic moment for the Sahelian states, whose recent decision to leave ECOWAS is viewed as a bold move to assert their sovereignty in the face of growing tensions with France and other Western allies.
The ECOWAS exit is set to officially take effect on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, following a year of intense deliberation since the three military-led nations—Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali—announced their withdrawal from the regional body. With this action, the Sahel nations have further distanced themselves from a group they accused of being overly influenced by French interests, a sentiment shared by the ruling juntas in these countries.
The Spirit of Defiance: Rallies in Niamey and Ouagadougou
In Niger’s capital, Niamey, the streets were filled with jubilant crowds waving flags of the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a confederation established by the three countries. The protesters, led by members of the military regime, marched from a central square to the National Assembly, chanting slogans denouncing French President Emmanuel Macron and other regional leaders who have supported ECOWAS’ stance.
Ibro Amadou Bacharou, the chief of staff to Niger’s junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, addressed the crowds, declaring, “On January 28, 2024, we announced our exit from ECOWAS with immediate effect. Many doubted us, believing it was a bluff. But today, there is nothing left between us and ECOWAS. We are free!”
In Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean-Emmanuel Ouedraogo joined thousands of protesters at the Nation Square. The scene was a mix of fervor and defiance, with banners proclaiming slogans such as “Long live AES, down with ECOWAS” and “Goodbye hand-tied ECOWAS, long live free AES.” Some demonstrators carried flags not only of the three Sahel nations but also of Russia, a country that has become an increasingly prominent ally in the region, especially as relations with former colonial power France continue to sour.
Ouedraogo’s words resonated strongly with the protesters: “To sever the ties of imperialism, we must not expect gentle hands to deliver change but rather the sharp edge of an axe.” His speech was met with cheers, as the crowd celebrated the removal of the political and economic shackles they felt ECOWAS had imposed upon them.
The Rationale Behind the Departure: A Growing Rift with ECOWAS
The departure of the Sahelian states from ECOWAS comes amidst a growing divide between the region’s political leadership and the economic bloc. ECOWAS, which was founded to promote economic cooperation, regional integration, and stability in West Africa, has long been under the influence of France, particularly in its stance on military interventions and economic policies.
The junta governments in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have accused ECOWAS of being too aligned with French interests, which they see as a hindrance to their autonomy. This sentiment has only intensified since the overthrow of the respective governments in these countries by military coups, which have led to increased tensions with both ECOWAS and Western powers.
Since their assumption of power, the Sahelian leaders have pivoted towards stronger relations with non-Western countries, particularly Russia, Turkey, and Iran. The creation of the AES is seen as a deliberate attempt to reduce reliance on ECOWAS and shift toward a new coalition that reflects their evolving foreign policy priorities.
The new alliance aims to foster regional cooperation on security and economic development, with a particular focus on combating jihadism, which has plagued the Sahel region for years. In a notable step, the AES has announced plans to form a unified 5,000-strong military force, which will work in tandem with the regional bloc’s security efforts. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to address the persistent threat of terrorist insurgencies in the region.
The Impact on ECOWAS and the Region
The exit of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali from ECOWAS represents a serious blow to the regional body’s cohesion and credibility. ECOWAS has long prided itself on its role as a peacekeeping force in West Africa, but this fracture has raised questions about its future relevance and ability to maintain unity in the face of diverging national interests.
Nigerian and Ivorian officials, among others within ECOWAS, have expressed concern over the potential destabilizing effects of the Sahel’s departure. ECOWAS has long been instrumental in mediating political crises in the region, and the withdrawal of these three nations complicates efforts to maintain stability.
Some regional leaders, particularly from countries like Benin, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast, have accused the Sahel states of undermining the bloc’s unity for political gain. However, the growing public support in the Sahel for leaving ECOWAS suggests that the political rift is more than just a diplomatic spat—it represents a deeper desire for change in the way these countries are governed and engage with the international community.
AES and the Path Forward: What’s Next?
With the ECOWAS divorce now official, all eyes are on the future of the Alliance of Sahel States. The trio of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger has made it clear that they intend to move forward with a unified political and military front. In addition to launching their new passport system, which is expected to ease travel and trade between the three countries, the alliance’s leadership has expressed confidence that their cooperation will yield better outcomes than remaining within the ECOWAS framework.
As Prime Minister Ouedraogo put it in his speech: “We have chosen the path of sovereignty, the path of self-determination, and the path of cooperation with nations that understand our struggles and share our vision for a new future.”
The departure from ECOWAS and the rise of AES signals a potential reconfiguration of West Africa’s geopolitical landscape. The ripple effects will likely be felt across the region, with questions about the future of regional cooperation, security efforts, and economic development now hanging in the balance.
