ECOWAS Withdrawal Confirmed by Ministers at Sahel Alliance
In a significant development, the defense and foreign affairs ministers from Mali and Niger visited Burkina Faso’s capital for a trilateral meeting. This gathering follows the recent withdrawal of the three Sahelian nations from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, collectively known as the Alliance of Sahel States, are now actively working on the establishment of a tri-state confederation.
Abdoulaye Maïga, spokesperson for the Alliance, confirmed the joint commitment of the three member countries to promptly withdraw from ECOWAS and continue their collaboration within the Alliance. The Alliance was officially established in September of the previous year, signaling a strategic shift in regional alliances.
Maïga stated that the ministers convened to prepare to create the proposed confederation. He highlighted the ongoing exchange of views among experts from the three nations. He emphasized the importance of reporting to Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Traoré, for advice and recommendations. The ultimate goal is to realize the common vision shared by the Heads of State of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
The decision to withdraw from ECOWAS in January dealt a substantial blow to the regional bloc. The departure of the three Sahelian states was justified because of “illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible” sanctions imposed by ECOWAS in response to coups in the region. The move signaled the Alliance’s commitment to regional autonomy and cooperation, setting the stage for the envisioned tri-state confederation.
As the Sahel Alliance moves forward with its confederation plans, the geopolitical landscape in West Africa undergoes notable shifts, with implications for regional dynamics and collaborative efforts among member nations.
