Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to Leave ECOWAS for New Sahel Alliance
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, three countries led by military juntas, appear determined to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in favor of a new coalition, the Sahel States Alliance (AES). The latest decision: introducing new biometric passports without the ECOWAS logo. The passport will be put into circulation to harmonize travel documents among AES countries and facilitate international mobility for citizens.
ECOWAS has warned that the withdrawal of the three countries would compromise the free movement of people and the common market of 400 million people living in the Union. However, they are already focused on the AES. The trio declared in January 2024 that they were turning their backs on the Community, accusing it of being manipulated by France. In July, the allies consolidated their ties by creating a confederation, which will be chaired by Mali in its first year of existence, and which brings together around 72 million people.
The AES will work on improving communication infrastructure among its members and information systems. They can count on valuable assistance from Russia, which is also helping them on security matters. The region remains unstable due to the presence of jihadists.
ECOWAS is the big loser. On the eve of its 50th anniversary, the risk of disintegration is very real. Citizens of the Community have the freedom to live and work in all member countries, but if Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso leave, their citizens will lose this right, unless a new agreement is reached.
