The AES takes a stand and assumes its break with ECOWAS...

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, united within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have declared that they will officially cease to be members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) starting January 29, 2025. This decision marks a significant step in reshaping the political and economic relations of these three countries with their regional partners.

To ensure an orderly transition, a six-month period has been set to manage the process. During this time, practical details of their departure will be finalized, while maintaining a framework for dialogue in case of a potential future return to the regional organization. However, the leaders of the AES seem determined to carve their own path, a move that has been praised by observers and widely supported by their populations.

The decision comes in the context of deepening disagreements with ECOWAS, particularly regarding the handling of political transitions and strategies to combat insecurity in the region. Through this step towards autonomy, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger aim to strengthen their sovereignty and reaffirm their commitment to defending their common interests, free from external pressures.

For the people of the AES countries, this choice is seen as an act of courage and determination, symbolizing a rejection of interference and a desire for cooperation based on mutual respect and self-determination.