Alliance of Sahel States rejects ECOWAS timeline for its withdrawal
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The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has rejected the timeline issued by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its withdrawal from the regional body. The AES claims that the timeline, which aims to give the three countries six more months to reconsider their decision to leave, is part of a broader plan to destabilize their newly-formed alliance.
At a summit held in Abuja, Nigeria, a week ago, ECOWAS set a deadline for the three countries to reconsider their departure, which is set for the end of January 2025. ECOWAS offered a six-month period to allow time for reevaluation, hoping to persuade Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to rejoin. However, the heads of state from these countries have firmly rejected this proposal, describing the move as “nothing more than yet another attempt by France and its allies to orchestrate destabilizing actions against the AES.”
In their joint statement, the AES leaders emphasized that the ECOWAS decision was unilateral and not binding on their countries. They had already made it clear before the summit that their exit from ECOWAS was irreversible. According to the AES, the proposal by ECOWAS is nothing but an attempt to pressure the countries to reconsider their departure, which they insist will go ahead as planned.
The ECOWAS Commission’s president had suggested that this six-month period would be a “transition phase” lasting until July 29, 2025, with the hope that it would keep diplomatic channels open between the Sahel states and the organization. However, this gesture was not enough to sway the AES nations, which argue that the timeline is just a ploy to weaken their growing political and economic unity.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have all faced military coups in recent years, which have led to a breakdown in relations with ECOWAS. The three countries accuse ECOWAS of imposing “inhumane and irresponsible” sanctions, which they believe have only worsened their internal security challenges. Despite these tensions, ECOWAS continues to push for the reinstatement of democratic governments in these nations and the reversal of the military-led transitions.
The rejection of the ECOWAS timeline underscores the widening rift between the AES and the regional organization. The Sahel states have largely dismissed ECOWAS’ efforts to reverse their withdrawal, instead beginning to explore alternatives for strengthening their alliances. They have already started working on the logistics for issuing their own travel documents, separate from those of ECOWAS, and are actively developing their own political and security framework independent of the regional body.
One of the most significant benefits of being part of ECOWAS is the visa-free movement within member states. This arrangement has allowed citizens of member countries to travel freely across borders, which has been a major advantage for many. However, it remains unclear how the departure of the three countries from ECOWAS will impact their citizens’ ability to travel to other West African nations. The logistical and political implications of this shift are still being discussed, and it is uncertain what kind of travel or border restrictions might be imposed once the three countries officially leave the bloc.
The dispute highlights the growing tensions in West Africa over the role of ECOWAS in regional governance and its stance on military-led governments. ECOWAS has long been a key regional body in promoting democracy, stability, and economic integration. However, its efforts to intervene in the political crises of its member states, particularly in the wake of coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have been met with resistance from the new leaderships of these countries.
In response to the ongoing tensions, the AES is pushing for greater autonomy and control over its internal affairs, resisting external interference from ECOWAS or former colonial powers like France. The alliance, which was formed in the wake of these military coups, has sought to carve out a new path for regional cooperation, with an emphasis on security, economic independence, and political sovereignty.
As the deadline for their departure from ECOWAS approaches, the three countries remain determined to pursue their own course. While the exact nature of their future relations with ECOWAS remains uncertain, the AES nations have made it clear that they are committed to their decision, and will not be swayed by external pressures or imposed timelines.
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