ECOWAS WANTS SAHELIAN TRIO BACK IN BLOC 😂

On February 8th, 2024, the Economic Community of West African States - ECOWAS - convened in Abuja to discuss the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to quit the regional bloc. The revolutionary trio have formed their own alliance, known as the Alliance of Sahel States - or AES. ECOWAS representatives made it clear they regretted the triple departure and sought reconciliation.

But the AES states show no signs of a change of heart. As Burkina Faso’s prime minister put it, “Our withdrawal from ECOWAS is not directed against anyone, against any institution, against any state. It aims to assume our sovereignty and ensure the security and prosperity of the populations of our area. However, we will be able to respond to provocations wherever they come from.”

Niger - which was threatened with war by ECOWAS if it did not undo its anti-imperialist coup - has also taken additional measures to defend itself from neighbouring member states. For example, it’s closed its airspace to flights from Nigeria next door. Niamey has also accused Benin’s president, Patrice Talon, of supporting sanctions against Niger only to avoid criticisms from ECOWAS allies over seeking an illegal third term.

What do you make of AES efforts to stand up against ECOWAS?