The recent summit in Niamey, Niger, convened by military junta leaders from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, marked a significant turning point as the three nations collectively rejected the idea of rejoining the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
This decision announced amidst accusations that ECOWAS had failed in its mandate and was being influenced by external powers, underscores a growing rift within the regional bloc. General Abdourahmane Tchiani of Niger criticized ECOWAS, describing it as a threat to their sovereignty, and advocated instead for strengthening their own union, the Alliance of Sahel States, which was formed last year.
The summit highlighted deep-seated divisions within ECOWAS, contrasting sharply with a concurrent ECOWAS summit in Nigeria. Analysts like Karim Manuel noted that despite mediation attempts, the alliance of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso is likely to remain outside ECOWAS, complicating efforts for regional unity and stability.
Niamey Summit Junta-Led Nations Reject ECOWAS Embrace Sahel Alliance for Regional Sovereignty
The Alliance of Sahel States, established to foster new partnerships and assert independence from former colonial powers, particularly France, was emphasized as pivotal to their geopolitical strategy.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso echoed these sentiments, criticizing Western interference and asserting African sovereignty over their resources. Colonel Assimi Goïta of Mali emphasized solidarity among the alliance members, pledging joint efforts to combat insecurity and proposing the establishment of a regional parliament and bank akin to ECOWAS institutions.
Despite ECOWAS lifting sanctions imposed after coups in the region, there are lingering doubts about the three nations’ willingness to reintegrate, as signaled by Omar Alieu Touray of the ECOWAS Commission.
Observers suggest that beyond the junta-led nations, ECOWAS has faced broader criticism from West African citizens who feel disconnected from its leadership’s decisions and view it as neglecting their interests.
Oge Onubogu from the Wilson Center noted a loss of goodwill towards ECOWAS, exacerbated by perceptions that it primarily serves elite interests rather than those of the populace. The region’s geopolitical landscape remains fraught with challenges as these dynamics continue to unfold, potentially reshaping alliances and strategies across West Africa.
